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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2016
November 1, 2016
Proverbs 11:18 – The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Thought: The labors of the wicked seem to promise much to the evil man. Their work, however, is deceitful. The power, the prestige, the gain received is elusive. All they thought they were going to receive ultimately slips through their hands. The labors of the righteous, on the other hand, are sure. Their work is steadfast, often established in the heavenly realm.
Job 27:13-17
November 2, 2016
Proverbs 11:19 – As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Thought: There are only two roads upon which all men tread. One is the road of life. The other is the road of death. The road one is on is determined by the type of life the individual leads. The righteous are on the road of life. The evil are traveling the road of death. Prosperity and physical happiness have nothing to do with the road one traverses. Both roads have their ups and downs. Again, it is the life one lives that determines his destiny of life or death.
Romans 6:23
November 3, 2016
Proverbs 11:20 – They that are of a forward heart are abomination unto the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Thought: The word “forward” means twisted, crooked, and deceitful. Here, the application is made to the heart. Individuals whose hearts are filled with dishonesty and deception are an abomination to God. They are disgusting to Him. The upright, those filled with honest and good hearts are a delight unto the heavenly Father. What kind of heart do you have?
Psalm 51:6
November 4, 2016
Proverbs 11:21 – Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Thought: Evil often joins hands with other forms of evil to promote a cause. This is seen in many “movements” within society. The movement has many different groups who have come together. The LGBTQ movement is one of these. They have joined all types of sexual deviants together to form their group. Even though they confederate for their evil, ultimately punishment will come. The righteous, on the other hand, will be delivered.
Psalm 83:1-5
November 5, 2016
Proverbs 11:22 – As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Thought: Pigs are one of the last animals on earth that someone would attempt to dress up. They thrive in the muck and the mire. They love rolling in the mud. To see a precious jewel decorating the snout of a pig would be horrific. Another horrible sight is a beautiful woman who does not know how to dress, speak, interact with others, or behave properly. She gives the appearance of beauty, but her demeanor detracts from her loveliness. She is like the pig with a jewel in his snout.
II Kings 9:30-33
November 6, 2016
Proverbs 11:23 – The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Thought: Here, the inspired writer sets for the true ends of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous will reap reward and joy in the last day. The wicked will face the wrath of God. The wicked try to deny the end they are facing. They ridicule it. They deny that it will happen. They mock those who attempt to warn them of their ultimate fate. Even so, “the expectation of the wicked is wrath.”
Romans 2:8-9
November 7, 2016
Proverbs 11:24 – There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
Thought: There are many stingy individuals who hold to their money so it will not get away from them. There are also many generous individuals who are willing to give another the shirt off their back. Sometimes, those who are stingy have the least, while those who give seem to be able to accumulate even more. The principle that Solomon lays down in this verse is: “Having is not always associated with keeping. We often have because we give.”
Luke 6:38
November 8, 2016
Proverbs 11:25 – The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Thought: The promises of God often challenge us. How can someone who is extremely benevolent have anything for himself. He is constantly giving his money away. It does not seem possible, but this is the promise of God. The generous shall be blessed. What we give often returns to us many fold. Trust God. Be liberal. Water the lives of others and watch your garden grow.
Isaiah 58:7-8
November 9, 2016
Proverbs 11:26 – He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
Thought: There are many who do not hesitate to take advantage of desperate situations. They desire to get rich at the expense of others. From time to time, we hear about price gouging, especially at the gas pumps. When supplies are low, the owners raise their prices to reap bountiful profits on the backs of their customers. These individuals are cursed. The honest businessman, however, is praised. When the dearth is over, his customers remember his kindness.
Amos 8:4-7
November 10, 2016
Proverbs 11:27 – He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
Thought: Each day we choose how we want to live our lives. We can seek good or we can seek mischief. Each choice has an end result. Those who seek good find favor in the sight of others. They are loved and appreciated for the good that they do. Those that seek mischief find that their mischief comes back to haunt them. Evil never has a positive return.
Psalm 9:15-16
November 11, 2016
Proverbs 11:28 – He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Thought: There are many things in which individuals can put their trust. One of them is riches. The rich trust their wealth because they feel both secure and empowered. They believe their riches make them untouchable. Riches, however, can quickly take wings and be removed from the wealthy. Their misplaced trust causes them to fall. The righteous trust in something far more secure, the eternal God. Regardless of outward circumstances, they flourish because their trust is in God who founded the Universe and rules over all.
Psalm 52:7-9
November 12, 2016
Proverbs 11:29 – He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
Thought: The harm that comes from within is often worse than those from without. Sadly, so many do not realize how they hurt their homes. Sin in one’s life harms the home. A failure to fulfill one’s responsibilities harms the home. A negative attitude harms the home. Leaving God out harms the home. The wise man tells us that those who trouble their own house shall “inherit the wind.” The whirlwind that comes can bring much devastation.
Habakkuk 2:9-10
November 13, 2016
Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Thought: One of the ways a child of God bears fruit is by winning souls to Jesus Christ. The fruit that results from his/her labors is a tree of life. Individuals who were condemned to suffer the second death have been rescued. Because of the soul-winning efforts of the Christian, the individual now has the promise of eternal life. My friends, we are wise when we seek to teach the gospel of life to others.
Ephesians 2:1-5
November 14, 2016
Proverbs 11:31 – Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner.
Thought: A reward is that which is given due to a person’s behavior, actions, or perfor-mance. Both the righteous and the wicked receive rewards while on earth. The rewards, however, are quite different. Grace, mercy, and peace are three rewards the righteous receive while here. The wicked have none of these things. Too, they have no hope for there are without God in the world. Choose your life carefully. When you do, you also choose your rewards.
Luke 23:39-41
November 15, 2016
Proverbs 12:1 – Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Thought: The way the Lord directs His people is through instruction. In essence, those who follow God must love instruction. Through instruction a man gains knowledge. Not all love instruction and knowledge. Some get just enough to be satisfied. Others are like sponges that drink deeply from the wells of God’s truth. There are still others who hate reproof. Such individuals are said to be “brutish.” The definition of brutish is foolish or stupid.
Psalm 92:5-6
November 16, 2016
Proverbs 12:2 – A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Thought: This contrast is often made in the Proverbs. The wise versus the foolish. The knowledgeable versus the simple. Here, he contrasts the good man and the evil man. The good obtains favor of the Lord; the wicked is condemned by God. The key to this verse is in understanding the word “good.” Goodness is not determined by man. It is a state that man obtains through obedience to God’s will. Be good! Seek to know and obey the truth.
Luke 18:18-19
November 17, 2016
Proverbs 12:3 – A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Thought: Foundations of buildings are extremely important. They can be built out of solid materials or they can be built of things that are weak and flimsy. If a person builds his life upon wickedness, he does not have a firm foundation. On the other hand, if a person practices righteousness, he roots run very deep. When the storms come, he will be able to withstand them. Upon what have you built your life?
Matthew 7:24-27
November 18, 2016
Proverbs 12:4 – A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Thought: Women often fail to understand the importance of their role as a wife in the lives of their husbands. Their character and how they conduct themselves can either be a crown to their husbands or rottenness in his bones. Some wives are godly and sacrifice dearly to make sure their husbands excel in all they do. Others are selfish, living only for self. Their morals are questionable or reprehensible. Their husbands either struggle to succeed or never reach their pinnacle of success. Wives, be a catalyst for your husbands!
I Peter 3:5-6
November 19, 2016
Proverbs 12:5 – The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Thought: There are only two ways to think. We either think on right things or we think about deceit. If a person thinks about something incorrectly, he is wrong. Most, however, do not see thinking as black and white as it is. They want to think that wrong is right. Or, they have convinced themselves that there are some gray areas in our thinking. With God this is not true. God sees right and wrong. He sees right and deceit. The way to think right things is by constant study of God’s holy Word.
Psalm 55:7
November 20, 2016
Proverbs 12:6 – The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Thought: The wicked speak words that wound and harm others. They proclaim false charges and slanderous accusations. They lie and pervert the truth. They say anything to destroy the innocent. The upright, however, can protect themselves. They can refute the lies of evil men. Once the facts are out, they are delivered from the snares of the godless.
Acts 18:12-13
November 21, 2016
Proverbs 12:7 – The wicked are overthrown, and are not: the house of the righteous shall stand.
Thought: The inspired writer reveals a general truth that has held throughout the ages. Wickedness is never lasting. Evil men come and go. Evil movements come and go. This world in which we live is evil. One day, it, too, will perish Evil cannot be sustained forever. The righteous, however, continue. They stand and shine brightly in the world. One day, righteousness will prevail over all evil and will shine brightly throughout all eternity.
Philippians 2:15-16
November 22, 2016
Proverbs 12:8 – A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
Thought: According to God’s standards, a man who possesses divine wisdom is to be commended and honored. On the other hand, the individual whose heart is bent, distorted, and perverted is disrespected and held in contempt. Sadly, our world has changed the way in which it views individuals. Those who speak against good and godly things are honored. Those who seek to uphold truth and righteousness are despised. It is sad that Satan can deceive in the manner that he does.
Genesis 41:39-46
November 23, 2016
Proverbs 12:9 – He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
Thought: So many people desire great riches so they would no longer have to work with their hands. They would like to receive a large inheritance. They would like to win the lottery. They would like to be the grand prize winner for Publisher’s Clearing House. Those who reach such a point, often believe that others should provide for them. If other’s do not serve them, they would lack bread. How sad. It is better to be lowly, having only one servant, and to be able to provide for yourself. There is nothing wrong with being a laborer and part of the middle class.
Proverbs 15:17
November 24, 2016
Proverbs 12:10 – A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Thought: When righteousness permeates a man’s life, it impacts his attitudes toward all of God’s creatures. He has a healthy respect for his pets and for the animals that help to make him a living. He would never mistreat any of them. The wicked, however, do not respect their fellowman much less animals. They treat humanity with contempt and their “tender mercies” to animals are cruel. Meanness seems to course through their veins and into their lives and the treatment of others.
Genesis 33:13
November 25, 2016
Proverbs 12:11 – He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
Thought: There are two ways that people can act. They can be serious about their lives, or, they can waste it chasing vain persons with empty, useless promises. Those who are serious till their land, that is, they give themselves to diligent work. They provide bread and goods for themselves. The others do nothing. They shout. They complain. They protest. But, they have nothing to show for their efforts. Truly, they are void of understanding.
Psalm 128:1-2
November 26, 2016
Proverbs 12:12 – The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yeildeth fruit.
Thought: The net of evil men is deceptive. It seems as though it yields riches and power and position. Evil men see these things and desire them. However, they forget that they will eventually be trapped in their own net. Trapped in their evil devices, they will face ruin and destruction. The righteous, however, will yield a bountiful harvest by their actions. Their fruit is a blessing to their lives and the lives of others.
Psalm 9:15
November 27, 2016
Proverbs 12:13 – The transgressor is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
Thought: The transgressor not only sins by his actions, but he also sins as he seeks to cover up his evil ways. His lies are soon revealed and the transgressor is found to be guilty of that which he denied. On the other hand, the righteous are often falsely charged by the wicked. At the end, they are found to be innocent of the charges. Thus, “the just shall come out of trouble.” The choice is ours. The appearance of freedom, or, true freedom.
II Kings 5:21-27
November 28, 2016
Proverbs 12:14 – A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
Thought: What men say and do yield fruit. If what is said is good, right, and wholesome, that man’s fruit will bring him much satisfaction. The same is true of his deeds. If they are loving, kind, and benevolent, he will be blessed by his actions. We have some control over the good and bad that comes into our lives. Let’s use our words and our behavior to bring us good fruit today.
Isaiah 3:10-11
November 29, 2016
Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Thought: There are three ways that a man can think and behave. First, he can intentionally think and behave contrary to the will of God. Second, he can think and behave contrary to God’s will, but be convinced he is doing the will of God. Both of these individuals are called fools. They are really doing what is right in their own eyes. Third, a person can think and behave in harmony with the divine counsel of God’s Word. This person, and this person alone, is a wise man.
Proverbs 19:20
November 30, 2016
Proverbs 12:16 – A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
Thought: When injured by another, how do you respond? As a fool? Or, as a prudent man? The fool immediately opens his mouth and voices his anger and displeasure. The man of understanding does not make haste with his words. He knows that speaking in anger can bring shame because angry words often involve falsehoods and sin. Again, when you are injured by another, how do you respond?
I Samuel 20:30-34
Read devotionals for December 2016