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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for March 2017
April 1, 2017
Proverbs 16:17 – The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Thought: For those who are faithful children of God, their lives are serious business. Every day they watch the paths that they take. They are extremely careful to depart from evil. For their efforts, they will be rewarded. Their diligence enables them to preserve their souls. They preserve their souls from harm, from regret, from shame, from disrespect, from physical and spiritual death. Dear reader, give diligence to watch which paths you tread.
Isaiah 35:8
April 2, 2017
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Thought: Pride and a haughty spirit are dangerous beasts. They are subtle enemies of mankind. The very moment that we believe we are humble, pride may have taken out hearts. When we boast ourselves before others, pride has entrapped the inner man. Man forgets that he is weak, frail, and of limited knowledge. Man forgets that he is little before God. Pride deceives, then destroys. Pride lifts a man high only to fling him to his death. When “me,” “myself,” and “I” raise their heads, please beware. Pride goeth before destruction!!!
Isaiah 2:11-12
April 3, 2017
Proverbs 16:19 – Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Thought: It is difficult for us to believe that there are times when not having riches is better than having them. When a person acquires wealth by hurting others and taking their spoils, it is not a positive atmosphere. It doesn’t matter how smart or clever the individual believes himself to be. His deeds and his riches are tarnished. He puts himself in grave danger. Instead of being there, “better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly.”
Isaiah 10:12-14
April 4, 2017
Proverbs 16:20 – He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord happy is he.
Thought: All of us want to live good and happy lives. The wise penman gives us two ways to achieve this in this verse. First, we must learn to handle matters wisely. In every situation, there are options. We must learn to discern well. When we handle a situation properly, we find good. Too, if we desire happiness, we must learn to trust in the Lord. To do this, we must believe the facts of His Word, embrace the Lord’s promises, and obey His commands. Remember, happiness follows those who do these things.
Isaiah 26:3-4
April 5, 2017
Proverbs 16:21 – The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Thought: Acquiring knowledge and wisdom in one’s mind is extremely important. Those who have such understanding are classed among the wise. Some of the intelligent, however, are not able to easily express their knowledge. Those who have the ability to teach others in a positive way increase learning. In essence, they are not the only beneficiaries of their studies. Their students also abound in their wisdom.
II Timothy 2:2
April 6, 2017
Proverbs 16:22 – Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Thought: True knowledge comes from a deep understanding of God’s will for a man’s life. Those who possess this understanding also possess a wellspring of life. Jesus said: “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” It is possible, however, to give heed to the instruction of fools. These individuals disregard the Word of God or pervert the Word of God. Dear readers, this instruction is folly. It is both silly and foolish.
John 8:51
April 7, 2017
Proverbs 16:23 – The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Thought: We are again impressed with the importance of the heart of man. It is the control center from which every action springs. It involves the reasoning, the will, the motives, and the emotions of man. The wise man understands that his heart should be in complete control of his faculties. His heart instructs his mouth and his lips. They speak properly. From him comes instruction and learning. Those who sit at his feet are greatly benefited.
Psalm 71:15-18
April 8, 2017
Proverbs 16:24 – Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Thought: The honeycomb was a blessing to those in Solomon’s day. It was both sweet and nourishing. The writer says: “Pleasant words are as the honeycomb.” They are a healthy addition to one’s spiritual man. They will make his life sweet. Too, they will make him stronger as a child of God. Pleasant words are suitable words, delightful words, words of beauty and favor. My prayer for you today is that you will receive pleasant words that will bless your life.
I Thessalonians 3:6-8
April 9, 2017
Proverbs 16:25 – There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Thought: The word “seemeth” is an interesting term. It means: “to appear to be, to appear to one’s own senses, mind, observation, and judgment, to appear to be true, probable, and evident.” There are so-called spiritual ways that seem to be right. They give the appearance that they are for a man’s benefit. A person’s mind and judgment may think them to be fine. “But the end thereof are the ways of death.” This is why we have God’s Word. It exposes every false way that might seem to be true.
Psalm 119:128
April 10, 2017
Proverbs 16:26 – He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
Thought: God has given man various cravings that work in a man’s behalf. One of those cravings is hunger. When a man grows hungry, he is willing to work to nourish his craving for food. When a man is supplied food without work, he grows lazy. He also begins to think that he is entitled to food without work. This is not God’s will for men. The Bible plainly teaches that if a man will not work neither should he eat.
Ecclesiastes 6:7
April 11, 2017
Proverbs 16:27 – An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
Thought: A person who is intend on “digging up evil” on another person is ungodly. The word “ungodly” means “worthless.” This individual loves to find fault that can be blamed on another. He loves to find sins that will destroy another’s character. He likes to find weaknesses that make another look bad. Once the evil is found, he cannot wait to tell it. His lips burn, scorch, and destroy all those upon whom his eyes are cast. Worthless he is! Worthless!
Luke 11:53-54
April 12, 2017
Proverbs 16:28 – A forward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Thought: Sadly, there are evil people in the world who want to cause trouble and separate friends who have been close for years and years. Some like to sow strife. They like to see others argue and quarrel. Some are more covert with their actions. They sow discord by whispering lies and gossip to others. Both are successful at one thing: causing division!
I Samuel 24:8-9
April 13, 2017
Proverbs 16:29 – A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
Thought: There are many evil people who will do all they can do to lead others astray with them. The word “enticeth” means to delude or deceive. These individuals hide their real intentions. They try to convince others that they are doing what is right. They have many “good” reasons for the actions they want their neighbor to take. All the while, he is really leading him to the way that is not good. It is a way that benefits him, but harms others. It is a way that leads to devastation for all who take it. My friend, do not walk with violent men.
Nehemiah 6:10-14
April 14, 2017
Proverbs 16:30 – He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips to bring evil to pass.
Thought: We often shut our eyes to block out the environment and to be able to think on things that we deem very important. The violent man shuts his eyes “to devise forward things. He schemes and devises ways to manipulate and harm others for his own benefit. Once his plans are made, he moves his lips to set those plans into action. He reveals his plan, the why of his plan, and the reasons others should join him. He is truly a danger!
Matthew 26:14-16
April 15, 2017
Proverbs 16:31 – The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Thought: The hoary head is the gray head. It represents the man who is aged. HIs gray hairs should be a crown of glory to him. This is only true, however, if the older man is one who is “in the way of righteousness.” He should be honored if he practices the truth of God’s will. He should be honored because he has shunned evil and the false ways of this world. His knowledge and experience should be reverenced by the younger generation.
Job 32:6-7
April 16, 2017
Proverbs 16:32 – He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Thought: Self-control should be a highly desired and prized trait. It is a measure of strength to be able to control one’s emotions, words, and behavior. Far too many live lives of no restraint. Their excuse is: “I can’t help myself.” They are self-deceived. Others have put a bridle on their anger, their tongue, and their bad habits. These are the mighty. These are the true warriors.
II Peter 1:6
April 17, 2017
Proverbs 16:33 – The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Thought: In time past, God communicated His will in many different ways. One of them was by the casting of the lot. The lot was similar to our dice today. Stones or pebbles would be cast into the lap. The outcome of the roll was determined by God. In this way, God was the final judge of the matter. His decision was fair and final. The fate of another or the outcome of a matter did not just rest in the hands of men.
I Samuel 14:41-42
April 18, 2017
Proverbs 17:1 – Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifice with strife.
Thought: A house full of sacrifice refers to a house filled with plenty of meat to eat. Sacrifices came from the herds. If a person had a house full of sacrifice, he also had plenty of meat to eat. But, a house full of sacrifice filled with strife among its members cannot be compared to a house that only has a dry morsel for food, but enjoys unity and peace among its members. Yes, there are some things that are greater than material riches.
Ecclesiastes 4:6
April 19, 2017
Proverbs 17:2 – A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
Thought: One’s behavior can be tied directly to one’s advancement in life. This is true even within the small organization of the home. Some sons tend to live lives that are wild and reckless. Their actions bring shame to their father’s home. Their fathers do not trust them. Thus, they put the rule of his estate into the hands of one of his trusted and proven servants. This servant not only benefits now with authority, but he is also given part of the inheritance. Good behavior brings rewards.
I Samuel 8:1-5
April 20, 2017
Proverbs 17:3 – The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
Thought: The process of purification of metals was well-known in Solomon’s time. Precious metals were mined. Then, they had to be refined to make them useable and valuable. Extremely high heat was needed in order to purge out the impurities. In the spiritual realm, God often tries the hearts of men. He places them through the fires of struggle to make them useful and valuable. The process is not enjoyable, but the end is worth pain and anguish.
I Peter 1:6-7
April 21, 2017
Proverbs 17:4 – A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Thought: Wicked people are disposed to accept wicked things. They are not interested in the truth. They are not interested in what is right. They are not interested in morality. They are not interested in God’s way. They enjoy hearing falsehoods and bad language. Their hearts are corrupt and must be fed corruption. Dear reader, what do you enjoy feeding upon?
I Kings 22:2-6
April 22, 2017
Proverbs 17:5 – Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Thought: There are those in this world who have no compassion for others. Even worse, they rejoice in calamities that come upon others. Our world will always have the poor in it. These people are made in the likeness of God. They should be cared for and not mocked. To mock them is to mock the Creator. Those who rejoice in the evil that comes on others need to remember that their day of punishment is coming. They will reap what they have sown.
Obadiah 1:8-11
April 23, 2017
Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are the crown of old men: and the glory of children are their fathers.
Thought: When a man is initially having his family, he does not comprehend the importance of what he is doing. He struggles to support his family and to train his children in the right way. There comes a time, however, that a righteous father understands he has created a lineage, a legacy. He looks at his grandchildren and great grandchildren and sees them as his crown. His children also see what their godly father has done. They rejoice because they have been blessed with a man who is good, honest, and righteous. They glory in him.
Psalm 128:3-6
April 24, 2017
Proverbs 17:7 – Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Thought: One’s position in life should be evidenced by the language he uses. A fool does not use excellent speech. A prince is not a person who should be given to lies. Sadly, we live in a culture that does not adhere to this principle. Fools are constantly speaking to us with smooth words and fair speeches. Our leaders have a tendency to lie to us, their followers. It has become so commonplace, that these things are expected. It is as if no one can be trusted.
II Samuel 23:1-3
April 25, 2017
Proverbs 17:8 – A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Thought: This verse expresses a very sad truth. The gifts of bribery have great power among men. Thus, the gift is likened unto a precious stone to the one who possesses it. The power is found in the ability of the gift to cause others to act on a person’s behalf. In whatever direction the gift is pointed, it brings the individual prosperity. It is sad that a person will sell his soul for unjust gain.
I Samuel 8:1-3
April 26, 2017
Proverbs 17:9 – He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Thought: A man’s actions prove his love or his hatred for others. All men have their faults. All are going to sin. How we react to these transgressions is proof of our love or lack thereof. If I love a person, I will seek to cover his transgressions. They will be held in confidence. On the other hand, if I despise a man, I will repeat his transgression to others. This action can have a negative impact upon the individuals and others who were close to him. The one who hates knows this. It is the very reason the transgression is repeated.
I Peter 4:8
April 27, 2017
Proverbs 17:10 – A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool.
Thought: There are many ways that individuals can receive discipline. Reproof is a means of discipline. Reproof is defined as “rebuke” or “chiding.” For a wise man, this is all that is necessary. He will hear and make application of the rebuke he has received. Another form of discipline involves stripes. Sadly, even a hundred stripes will not benefit a fool. He never learns, even when his actions bring him the most severe discipline. Perhaps that is one of the reasons the Bible refers to him as a fool.
Psalm 141:5
April 28, 2017
Proverbs 17:11 – An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Thought: Evil men are not content to submit to authority. They refuse to obey the laws. They are bitter against those in power. Thus, they rebel. Against such individuals, a cruel messenger shall be sent forth. The messenger will proclaim the doom of the rebels. Good leaders will not tolerate rebellion by evil men.
I Kings 2:24-25
April 29, 2017
Proverbs 17:12 – Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Thought: A bear robbed of her cubs is a dangerous and violent animal. She will do what is necessary to retrieve what has been taken from her. She will show no mercy in her attack. There is, however, something that is even worse. It is worse to meet a fool in his folly. Those who partake in the affairs of foolish men will find that misery and destruction will come upon them. Their lives will be subject to hardship and sorrow. Death often follows a fool’s actions.
Matthew 2:16
April 30, 2017
Proverbs 17:13 – Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Thought: There are some people who do not appreciate good. Instead of honoring the good, they reward them will evil. These individuals will also be rewarded. Evil will not depart from their house. They will reap what they have sown. Misery and sorrow will fill the chambers of their house. Those who do good deserve to honor and respect. They do not deserve evil.
Esther 7:8-10
Read devotionals for May 2017