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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for January 2018
February 1, 2018
Proverbs 26:22 – The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Thoughts: Words are powerful instruments of war. They can be used for good. They can also be used in evil ways. A talebearer is one who loves to tell secret things about one person to others. This can involve very confidential information. At other times, it can involve out-right lies. The stories of the talebearer ruin the reputation of another. They inflict pain and heartache. They can damage a person for the rest of his life. A Christian does not need to take on the role of a talebearer.
Exodus 23:1
February 2, 2018
Proverbs 26:23 – Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Thought: Men have found ways to make the plain look pretty and expensive. Sometimes it can fool individuals into thinking that it is valuable. Pottery can be decorated with coverings that make it look like something that is very costly. The same can happen in our relationships with others. They have beautiful lips that speak kind and loving words. Their heart, however, is hidden from view. When it is evil, the friendship that appears to be so valuable is found to be uselsss, even dangerous.
Luke 22:47-48
February 3, 2018
Proverbs 26:24 – He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him.
Thought: There are several definitions of the word “dissembleth.” Some of them are “to scrutinize, to respect, to feign self to another.” The person who hates another often hides his hatred with his lips. To the person hated, he can appear to be a friend and comrade. He displays himself as one who can be trusted. Within, however is a different story. He lays up deceit within his heart. The moment the hater has his chance he will wound or slay the one he hates. His loving lips are a façade.
II Peter 2:1-3
February 4, 2018
Proverbs 26:25 – When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
Thought: The inspired writer now fully reveals the truth of yesterday’s verse. A person who hates often disguising his hatred with fair words. “I am in your corner.” “I will be there for you.” “Your cause is the right cause.” These are just a few of the fair words he might utter. His heart, on the other hand, is utterly opposed to you. He has absolutely no intention of assisting you. In fact, he desires your total demise and will bring it to pass when the opportunity arises.
Jeremiah 12:6
February 5, 2018
Proverbs 26:26 – Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.
Thought: Hatred can only be concealed for a certain period of time. Eventually the heart that is full of hate leaks out in words and actions. What used to be covered by deceit is found out by all. What is sad is the devastation that occurs when this happens. People are hurt. Trusts are violated. Relationships are ended. Reputations are ruined. Good works come to an end. Yes, once hatred is exposed, it and all that is connected with it is known by all.
I Samuel 18:20-21
February 6, 2018
Proverbs 26:27 – Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Thoughts: Sometimes we like to devise traps to catch others. Many who have done this have done so to their own demise. Ultimately, they are caught in their own trap. Destruction prepared for others recoils upon its contriver. Dig a pit and you fall into it. Roll a stone up a hill to be rolled onto another and it rolls backward on you. Build a gallows for another and you are hanged on your own gallows. Be careful about trying to harm another. You may be caught in your own trap.
Psalm 7:15-16
February 7, 2018
Proverbs 26:28 – A lying tongue hateth those who are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Thought: Politicians have developed an extremely evil image. Their tongues have two edges. One side flatters. The politician does this to receive donations and votes. The other edge lies. He will make bold promises to others that he knows he cannot fulfill. He appears to love those to whom he lies, but he actually hates them. A person who loves another does not lie to that person. Yes, politicians both flatter and lie, but all of us need to take heed not to become liars and flatterers.
Luke 20:20-21
February 8, 2018
Proverbs 27:1 – Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring.
Thought: We go about our lives as if they will continue on endlessly. We boast about all of the things that we will do in the future. The reality, however, is that we are not promised tomorrow. Today is the only day of our lives that is certain. Tomorrow could find us in the grave. Because we think we have tomorrow, we often put off very important spiritual decisions. My friend, tomorrow could be too late. Don’t boast of tomorrow. Take today and use it wisely in service to the Lord.
II Corinthians 6:2
February 9, 2018
Proverbs 27:2 – Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Thought: “Look at me mommy.” These are the words of a small child to her mother as she tries to swing high on the swing. This little heart is not evil. She just wants the attention of her mother. Children grow up to be adults, however, who still call attention to self. They want others to know how great, wonderful, talented, rich, wise, and good-looking they are. One word that describes them is conceited. My friend, even if you are extremely gifted, let another man praise you, and not your own mouth. Remember: “Self-praise is no commendation.”
Daniel 4:29-31
February 10, 2018
Proverbs 27:3 – A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
Thought: The first two statements are known to be true by most. Stones are heavy. A bag of sand also has a lot of weight. Neither compares, however, to the wrath of a fool. Those who have had to bear the fool’s wrath know this to be true. It weighs heavily on one’s mind constantly. The person against whom it is directed is constantly having to deal with the actions of the fool’s wrath. If it lasts very long, one grows weary, weak, and sickly. The relief that comes once it is gone is indescribable.
Genesis 49:5-7
February 11, 2018
Proverbs 27:4 – Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Thought: There are many emotions that are harmful both to self and others. Here, the inspired writer tells us that one of the worst is envy. This emotion is different than jealousy. Jealousy desires what someone else possesses. Envy sees what another has and is determined to take it from the individual. Envy has no limits in seeking its end. Reputations, wealth, power, family, friends, property, and even life have been taken because of envy.
I John 3:12
February 12, 2018
Proverbs 27:5 – Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Thought: What good is secret love? What good is a love that cannot be shown and demonstrated in a public way? What good is a love that is scared and concealed? There is no profit is secret love. Open rebuke, however, is profitable. It warns the wicked and may cause him to repent. It strikes fear into the godly and warns them not to travel the road of the wicked. It frees the one who rebukes from the blood of the wicked. It pleases God. Yes, “open rebuke is better than secret love.”
Matthew 18:15
February 13, 2018
Proverbs 27:6 – Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Thought: Our enemies will feign to love us. Our friends truly love us. Love is not always about kisses and hugs. Sometimes love must rebuke and chasten. The one who has to do it does not enjoy it, but he knows that his friend’s welfare is at stake. He loves his friend. Therefore, he takes the risk and “wounds” his friend. Parents understand this concept well. They love their children and must discipline them from time to time, not out of hate, but out of love. Choose your friends wisely. Make sure that they are not just a bunch of “yes” men. Sometimes we need their correction.
II Samuel 12:7-12
February 14, 2018
Proverbs 27:7 – The full soul loatheth a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Thought: One’s situation in life often determines how he reacts to things. If a person is full, he does not care for a piece of cake. If a person is starving, a lemon takes like a piece of cake. When one person sees something one way and another sees the situation another way, it is often due to their present condition in life. This writer is not sure which is better. Is it profitable to be extremely picky, or, is it more profitable to be one that will accept about anything?
Luke 15:16
February 15, 2018
Proverbs 27:8 – As a bird wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Thought: Sometimes, birds aimlessly wander from their nests. They venture into lands to which they are not accustomed. In those far off places are dangers that threaten their lives. The same can happen to human beings. Some love to wander far from home. They enjoy the thrill of the unknown. However, they sometimes forget that such places have extreme dangers. Some who have ventured off have not returned home.
I Samuel 17:1-3
February 16, 2018
Proverbs 27:9 – Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Thought: There are some things that bring joy to a person’s life. Gifts of ointment and perfume are extremely valuable. Not all can possess them. When one receives such a gift, the heart is lifted with joy. The same is true of the advice of a friend that is full of wisdom, soundness, soberness and godliness. Hearty counsel improves one’s life. It brings protection from evil. It brings peace to confusion. Friends who know how to properly advise us are truly valuable gifts from God.
Exodus 18:17-19
February 17, 2018
Proverbs 27:10 – Thine own friend, and they father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.
Thought: Some friendships that are closer, more valuable than relationships with family members. We should never give these up. When adversity strikes, we need to rely upon dear friends. They have been there in the past. They have been loyal. They have sacrificed on our behalf. They long to support us and hold us up. A family member who is far away will never be as loyal as a friend that is near.
II Samuel 1:25-26
February 18, 2018
Proverbs 27:11 – My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Thought: The character and behavior of a person’s children is a testimony to the parent who raised the child. This fact alone can be a powerful answer to a person’s detractors. Look at his children. His children are good and kind and hard-working. They are moral and upright. Their character did not just happen. It involved the due diligence of a mother and a father. Thus, one’s children are a witness. They are a witness to the goodness and character of those who reared them.
Proverbs 23:24-25
February 19, 2018
Proverbs 27:12 – A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Thought: A prudent man is one who can think and reason properly. He is able to look before he leaps. He has the ability to see his words and actions unfold before they actually take place. He can see the consequences of his actions before they happen. If there is an evil end to them, he hides himself. He does not engage in them. The simple either cannot see or do not care. They move forward with their actions and are punished. They reap the evil that they sow.
Exodus 9:20-21
February 20, 2018
Proverbs 27:13 – Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Thought: There are evil people in the world who will take advantage of others. Thus, it is important for individuals to protect themselves. One who is going to be a co-signer for a stranger needs some collateral. Even the strange woman needs to take her payment before services are performed. It is sad that people will rob and plunder others. For many in this world, it is all about self.
Proverbs 11:15
February 21, 2018
Proverbs 27:14 – He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
Thought: The Scriptures address so many real situations found among men. Some individuals are the ultimate politicians. They love to lavish loud praise upon others. Keil and Delitzsch make this comment about the flatterer: “…but this salutation of good wishes, the affected zeal in presenting…is a sign of a selfish, calculating, servile soul…” Upright, godly individuals recognize the smooth words of the flatterer for what they are. The individual who speaks them is marked. His words of praise for another become a curse unto himself.
I Kings 22:13
February 22, 2018
Proverbs 27:15 – A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
Thought: The roofs of the houses in the days of Solomon were flat. When there was a continual rain, the ceiling of the house often had small cracks that would allow the water to drip continually in the home. Over the course of several hours, the drip would begin to wear on a person’s nerves. The constant ravings of a contentious woman also wear upon one’s patience. She will not hush. She just continues to drip, drip, drip, drip, drip.
I Kings 21:5-7
February 23, 2018
Proverbs 27:16 – Whosever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Thought: A contentious woman cannot be concealed. She will constantly argue and fight and cause strife. Trying to hide her is like trying to hide the wind. It is impossible. Trying to cover her up is like trying to stop an ointment from spreading its smell after it has been applied. Again, it is impossible. The contentious woman has a permanent burr under her saddle. She cannot be content or quiet. Ugh!
I Peter 3:4-5
February 24, 2018
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Thought: Iron was often used to sharpen various weapons and tools. Iron assisted an object made of the same material. In fact, it not only assisted, but it made the object better. In like manner, a man’s friend can make him better. He can teach. He can advise. He can lead him in the proper way. When all is said and done, the friend has made his companion stronger and more useful. Choose your friends wisely. Then, listen to them closely. They can make you a sharper individual.
Job 4:3-4
February 25, 2018
Proverbs 27:18 – Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof; so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
Thought: In various occupations, individuals are given benefits because of the effort they put forth on their jobs. Everyone enjoys these physical benefits. A person might receive free coffee or free food on the job. They might be given books or videos for their enjoyment. What is even more precious than physical benefits are the intangibles that come from doing a job well done. The individual receives praise, recognition, and honor from his superior. His supervisor sees the individual as an asset and acknowledges his beneficial service. There is no better motivator than when one is praise for a job well done.
Genesis 39:21-23
February 26, 2018
Proverbs 27:19 – As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Thought: So often men see the differences in one another. Their skin color is different. Their languages are different. Their cultures are different. Their education levels are different. Their upbringings are different. Their gender is different. Their wealth is different. Their ways of life are different. Even though the list of differences is long, what they fail to realize is that each man is more alike than different. When we peel away the outer shell and look upon the heart, what we see is that another’s heart is a reflection of our own. Our needs, fears, desires, dreams, and lusts are all the same. To look at another is like looking into a mirror.
Psalm 33:15
February 27, 2018
Proverbs 27:20 – Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Thought: Truth is firm and can never be changed. Yes, it can be neglected or denied, but no one can change it. The inspired writer reminds us of two of these truths in this verse. Hell and destruction are never full. In addition, the eyes of man are never satisfied. This last truth is both good and bad. Our never being satisfied has led to many discoveries that have benefited man. Never being satisfied can also be an evil. It means that we cannot ever be content. There are times when satisfaction is needed.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
February 28, 2018
Proverbs 27:21 – As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
Thought: “You are wonderful.” “You are great.” “You are beautiful.” “You are so smart.” These are statements that others will say to someone else in praise of him. How a man receives such praise tells much about the person. Some love the flattery and get puffed up by it. Others are thankful for it, but do not really feel that it is deserved. It they never received it, they would continue to perform in the same way. My friend, be grateful to those who praise you, but do not let the praise ruin your character.
Esther 6:11-12
Read devotionals for March 2018