Notes from Linda:
12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "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."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
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Previous Month
March 2023
MARCH 28-31
The First Passover
Exodus 12:1-2: "And the LORD [God] spake unto [spoke to] Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month [Abib, or Nisan--March/April] shall be unto you the beginning of months [on the Jewish calendar]: it shall be the first month of the year to you [with respect to religious rites or ceremonies]."
Exodus 12:3: "Speak ye unto all the congregation [people] of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month [Abib] they shall take to them every man [every head of the household] a lamb [a young sheep or goat], according to the house of their fathers [or ancestors, or according to the group they belonged to--see note below*], a lamb for an house [or family, meaning one lamb per household]:"
Exodus 12:4: "And if the household be too little [in number] for the lamb [i.e., if there aren't enough people (at least 10 but no more than 20) in the family, including servants (but not uncircumcised males), to eat an entire lamb], let him [the head of the household] and his neighbour next unto his house [referring to the family or families living next door] take it [the lamb] according to the [total] number of the souls [people] [involved]; every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her] eating [or appetite] shall make [be included or considered in] your count for [sharing] the lamb." [According to some commentators, because this was done for a solemn (serious, formal) religious occasion, a portion, or serving, could have been as small as an olive.]
Exodus 12:5-6,7: "Your lamb shall be without blemish [meaning it would have no defects or imperfections], [and it shall be] a male of the first year: ye [you] shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it [with you, in your house, like a pet] up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly [gathering] of the congregation of Israel [meaning everyone, not just the priests] shall kill it in the evening [before sunset]. And they shall take of the blood, and [using a bunch of hyssop (a plant in the mint family) like a brush] strike it [with a slapping motion] on the two side posts [of the front door] and on the upper door post [also called 'lintel'] of the houses, wherein [in which] they shall eat it [the lamb] [after sunset]."
Exodus 12:8-9,10: "And they shall eat the flesh [meat] [of the lamb] in that night, roast[ed] with fire, and [with] unleavened bread [i.e., bread made without leaven, or yeast]; and with bitter herbs [to represent their bondage (as slaves) in Egypt] they shall eat it. Eat not of it [don't eat it] raw [rare, half-cooked, not thoroughly roasted], nor sodden at all with water [i.e., boiled], but roast[ed] with fire; his [the lamb's] head [should be roasted] with his legs [in other words, the lamb was to be roasted whole], and with the purtenance [entrails] thereof [referring to its internal organs, especially the heart, liver, and lungs]. And ye shall let nothing of it [none of the edible (suitable or safe to be eaten) parts (i.e., the meat and internal organs)] remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it [the lamb, meaning the inedible (not fit to be eaten) parts, such as bones] until the morning ye shall burn with fire."
Exodus 12:11,12: "And thus shall ye eat it [the meal, consisting of the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs]; with your loins girded [with your long, loose clothes tied up around your waist], your shoes [or sandals] on your feet, and your staff [walking stick] in your hand; and ye shall eat it [the meal] in haste [quickly]: it is the LORD'S passover. For [because] I [Almighty God] will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite [strike, kill] all [of] the firstborn [males, or 'the oldest son in each family'] in the land of Egypt, both man [mankind, human beings] and beast [animals]; and against all the gods [false gods, or idols] of Egypt [i.e., everything and everyone that the Egyptians worship] I [Almighty God] will execute [carry out] judgment: I am the LORD."
Exodus 12:13: "And the [lamb's] blood shall be to you for a token [sign] upon the houses where ye are: and when I [God] see the blood, I will pass over you [the Israelites], and the plague [calamity, disaster] shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite [strike, kill the firstborn males throughout] the land of Egypt."
Exodus 12:14: "And this day [Passover] shall be unto you [Israelites, Jewish people] for a memorial [reminder, remembrance]; and ye shall keep it [as] a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."
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Note: My gospel tracts explain how to be saved according to the Bible. In case you're curious or interested, you can find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
"… The whole host of Israel [referring to all of the people of Israel] was divided into twelve tribes, these tribes [were divided] into families, the families [were divided] into houses, and the houses [were divided] into particular persons …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/12-3.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
MARCH 26-27
Leviticus 19:13: "Thou shalt not [you shall not] defraud thy neighbour [cheat anyone--neighbor, employee, stranger, friend, small business owner, etc.], neither [or] rob him [or her]: the wages [earnings, pay] of him [or her] that is hired [referring to a hired servant, someone who provides a product or service, or--in this case specifically (i.e., in Bible times, when the verse was written)--a day laborer, whose wages were due and paid at night] shall not abide with thee [remain with you] all night until the morning."
"Sad result of an unpaid bill
"A wealthy [rich] banker, who is noted [known] for his large subscriptions [contributions, gifts] to charities, and for his kindly habits of private benevolence [acts of kindness], was called on by his pastor, one evening, and asked to go with him to the help of a man who had attempted suicide. They found the man in a wretched house, in an alley not far from the banker's dwelling. The front room was a cobbler's shop; behind it, on a miserable bed, in the kitchen, lay the poor shoemaker, with a gaping gash in his throat, while his wife and children were gathered about him. 'We have been without food for days,' said the woman, when he returned. 'It is not my husband's fault. He is a hard-working, sober man. But he could neither get work, nor [get] pay for that which he had done. To-day he went for the last time to collect a debt due to him by a rich family, but the gentleman was not at home. My husband was weak from fasting [not eating], and seeing us starving drove him mad. So it ended that way,' turning to the fainting, motionless figure on the bed. The banker, having fed and warmed the family, hurried home, opened his desk and took out a file of little bills. All his large debts were promptly met, but he was apt to be careless about the accounts of milk, bread, &c. [etc.], because they were so petty [small, insignificant]. He found there a bill of Michael Goodlow's for repairing children's shoes … Michael Goodlow was the [man who had attempted to commit] suicide. It was the banker's unpaid debt which had brought these people to the verge [edge] of the grave, and driven this man to desperation, while, at the very time, the banker had given away hundreds [of dollars] in charity. The cobbler recovered, and will never [be in] want [need] [of] a friend while the banker lives, nor will a small unpaid bill ever again be found on the banker's table. No man has a right to be generous until his debts are paid; and the most efficient use of money is not alone in almsgiving [charity], but to pay liberally and promptly the people whom we employ."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/leviticus/19-13.html, "The Biblical Illustrator")
MARCH 25
Use Credit Wisely, and Love One Another
While discussing debt in a letter to the born-again Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 13:8: "Owe no man [person] any thing, but to love one another [i.e., we shouldn't owe anyone anything but love, which means not only that all of our bills should be paid on time, but also that we should have an ongoing love (affection) for mankind; this includes treating others kindly (doing nice things for them, praying for them when necessary, never harming them in any way--physically or mentally, etc.)]: for he [or she] that loveth [loves] another [person, or other people,] hath [has] fulfilled [obeyed] the law [of God]."
Romans 13:9: "For this [thing (loving one another) covers what God said in the second part (or 'human-to-human' section) of the Ten Commandments], [which includes] Thou shalt [you shall] not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness [or give false testimony in court, spread gossip, lie about someone, etc.], Thou shalt not covet [want something very badly]; and if there be any other commandment [of God], it is briefly comprehended [contained, included, understood, summed up] in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy [your] neighbour [neighbor, friend, relative, etc., meaning all other people] as [much as you love] thyself [yourself]."
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another - In the preceding [foregoing, previous] verses the apostle [Paul] has been showing the duty, reverence [respect], and obedience, which all Christians, from the highest [in authority, or most important] to the lowest [in authority, or least important], owe to the civil magistrate [a judge or someone who is appointed by him or her]; whether he be emperor, king, proconsul [governor], or other state officer; here [in Romans 13:8] he [Paul] shows them [the Christians] their duty to each other: but this is widely different from that which they owe to the civil government: to the first [group of people mentioned (the government leaders)] they owe subjection, reverence, obedience, and tribute [honor]; to the latter [group of people mentioned; in this case, Christians and fellow citizens] they owe nothing but mutual love, and those offices which necessarily spring from it. Therefore, the apostle says, Owe no man; as if he had said: Ye owe to your fellow brethren [Christians and other people] nothing but mutual love, and this is what the law of God requires, and in this the law is fulfilled. Ye [you] are not bound in obedience to them [Christians and other people] as to the civil magistrate; for to him ye must needs be subject, not merely for fear of punishment, but for conscience sake: but to these [other people] ye are bound by love; and by that love especially which utterly prevents you from doing any thing by which a brother [or sister in Christ (a Christian), or any other person] may sustain [suffer, experience] any kind of injury."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/13-8.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
MARCH 24
Luke 6:45: "A good man [or woman or child, referring to someone with good morals] out of the good treasure of his [or her] heart [i.e., from the good things that are stored there] bringeth forth [brings forth] [from his (or her) mouth] that which is good; and an evil man [or woman or child--someone with bad morals] out of the evil treasure of his [or her] heart [or from the bad things that are stored there] bringeth forth [from his (or her) mouth] that which is evil: for [because] [out] of the abundance of the heart [from whatever fills a person's heart and mind] his [or her] mouth speaketh [speaks, or says]."
"… For, though hypocrites [pretenders] express in words what is different from the feelings of their hearts, that is no reason why we may not justly and appropriately call the tongue the portrait [picture, or pictorial representation] of the mind."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/luke/6-45.html, "Calvin's Commentary on the Bible")
"… what the mouth ordinarily speaks, speaks with relish [enjoyment, pleasure] and delight, generally agrees with what is innermost and uppermost in the heart …"
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/luke/6.html, "v. 45")
MARCH 23
In this verse, King Solomon has advice for children, including (and especially) young adults:
Proverbs 23:22: "Hearken unto [listen to and obey] thy father that begat thee [referring to your biological father--the man who helped to conceive (produce, give life to) you], and despise not thy mother [don't disrespect your mother or treat her advice as unimportant] when she is old."
-- Proverbs 23:22: "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
-- Proverbs 23:23: "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
According to Pastor Jim Delany: "The point here [in these verses] is that aging parents still have valuable advice and counsel to give."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link:
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_22-23/.
MARCH 22
Prayer From a Man Who Loved God's Word
Although the identity of this psalm's author is unknown, it was probably King David, according to many well-known and highly respected Bible commentators. He prayed:
Psalm 119:97: "O how love I thy [your] law [Lord, referring to God's words, as recorded in the Bible]! it is my meditation [what I think about] all the day [at various times throughout the day and night]."
Psalm 119:98: "Thou [you, Lord,] through thy [your] commandments hast [have] made me wiser than mine [my] enemies: for they [the commandments] are ever [forever, always] with me."
Psalm 119:99-100: "I have more understanding than all [of] my teachers: for thy testimonies [the things that are written in the Bible] are my meditation [what I read about, study, memorize, and think about]. I understand more than the ancients [i.e., wise old men], because I keep thy precepts [which means that the psalmist followed God's rules of action for behavior and thought, especially in regard to moral conduct']."
MARCH 18-21
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Jesus frequently told parables (stories) while preaching so that his listeners would more easily understand the concept he was trying to teach. This is one of those cases.
Luke 10:25: "And, behold, a certain lawyer [one of the scribes--see Note 1 below] stood up, and tempted [tried to prove] him [Jesus], saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit [receive] eternal life [in heaven … or, 'what shall I do to be saved']?"
Luke 10:26,27-28: "He [Jesus] said unto him [the lawyer], What is written in the law [of Moses]? how readest thou [how do you read it, what does it say]?" And he [the lawyer] answering said, Thou shalt [you shall] love the Lord thy God with all thy [your] heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and [thou shalt love] thy neighbour as [much as you love (or should love)] thyself [yourself]. And he [Jesus] said unto him [the lawyer], Thou hast [you have] answered right [correctly]: this do [or 'do this'], and thou shalt live [forever--in heaven]."
Luke 10:29: "But he [the lawyer], willing to justify himself [or trying to make it appear that he was a righteous man], said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?"
Luke 10:30: "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves [got attacked by robbers], which stripped him of his raiment [clothing], and wounded him, and [then] departed [went away], leaving him half dead [or near death]."
Luke 10:31-32: "And by chance there came down a certain [Jewish] priest that way: and when he saw him [the man who had been attacked], he passed by on the other side [of the road]. And likewise [in a similar manner] a Levite [religious leader--assistant to the priests], when he was at the [same] place, came [over to where the injured man was lying] and looked on him, and [then] passed by on the other side [of the road]."
Luke 10:33-34: "But a certain Samaritan [a man from Samaria, whose people were hated by the Jews because they were 'half-breeds' (half-Jewish and half-Gentile)--see Note 2 below], as he journeyed [traveled], came [to the place] where he [the injured man] was: and when he saw him [the injured man], he had compassion on [sympathy for] him, And [the Samaritan] went to him [the injured man], and bound up [bandaged] his wounds, pouring in oil and wine [which he used as medicine to cleanse and heal the wounds], and set him [the injured man] on his own beast [of burden; i.e., the Samaritan's mule or donkey], and brought him [the injured man] to an inn, and took care of him."
Luke 10:35: "And on the morrow [the next day] when he [the Samaritan] departed [left, went away], he took out two pence [see Note 3 below], and gave them to the host [innkeeper], and said unto him, Take care of him [the injured man]; and whatsoever thou spendest more [whatever amount you spend more than that, or any extra amount that you spend], when I come again, I will repay thee [you]."
Luke 10:36-37: "Which now of these three [people--priest, Levite, Samaritan], thinkest thou [do you think], was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he [the lawyer] said, He that shewed [showed] mercy [kindness, compassion] on him [the injured man]. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise [do the same thing, or follow his example]."
"Go, and do thou likewise - Show the same kindness to 'all' - to friend and foe [enemy] - and 'then' you will have evidence that you keep the law, and not 'till' then. Of this man [the good Samaritan] we know nothing farther; but from this inimitably [unable to be imitated or copied] beautiful parable we may learn:
"1. That the knowledge of the law is useful to make us acquainted with our own sinfulness and need of a Saviour.
"2. That it is not he who 'professes' most kindness that really loves us most, but he who will most deny himself that he may do us good in times of want [or need].
"3. That religion requires us to do good to 'all' people, however 'accidentally' we may become acquainted with their calamities [serious troubles, disastrous events].
"4. That we should do good to our enemies. Real love to them will lead us to deny ourselves, and to sacrifice our own welfare, that we may help them in times of distress and alleviate [ease, relieve] their wants.
"5. That he is really our neighbor who does us the most good - who helps us in our necessities, and especially if he does this when there has been 'a controversy or difference' between us and him.
"6. We hence [therefore] see the beauty of religion. Nothing else will induce people to surmount [overcome] their prejudices, to overcome opposition, and to do good to those who are at enmity with them [referring to people who hate them or are their enemies]. True religion teaches us to regard every man as our neighbor; prompts us to do good to all [people], to forget all national or sectional distinctions, and to aid all those who are in circumstances of poverty and want. If religion were valuable for nothing 'but this,' it would be the most lovely and desirable principle on earth, and all [people], especially in their early years [i.e., when they are young], should seek it. Nothing that a young person can gain will be so valuable as the feeling that regards all the world as one great family, and to learn early to do good to all.
"7. The difference between the Jew and the Samaritan was a difference in 'religion' and 'religious opinion;' and from the example of the latter [second] [word or phrase; in this case, 'religious opinion'] we may learn that, while people differ in 'opinions' on subjects of religion, and while they are zealous [filled with enthusiasm] for what they hold to be the truth, still they should treat each other kindly; that they should aid each other in necessity; and that they should thus show that religion is a principle [a general or basic truth] superior to the love of sect [a specific religious group], and that the cord which binds man to man is one that is to be sundered [split apart] by no difference of opinion, that Christian kindness is to be marred [damaged] by no forms of worship, and by no bigoted [prejudiced, biased] attachment for what we esteem the doctrines of the gospel."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/luke-10.html, "Verse 37")
You can learn about scribes by reading "Who were the scribes that often argued with Jesus?" You can find it here:
https://www.gotquestions.org/scribes-Jesus.html.
NOTE 2:
For background information on Samaritans, read the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is a Samaritan?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Samaritan.html.
NOTE 3:
According to Wikipedia, pence is the same as denarius--a silver coin which was the usual day's wage for a laborer in Bible times.
MARCH 17
Proverbs 17:23: "A wicked man [or woman or child] taketh [takes] a gift out of the bosom [or 'from a hidden pocket in his (or her) clothing,' meaning that evil people offer bribes (money, gifts, promises, etc.)] to pervert the ways of judgment [to pervert justice (or prevent justice from taking place) and/or to keep secrets from being revealed]."
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Here are two excerpts from Pastor Delany's commentary (i.e., the section entitled "The One Receiving a Bribe"):
"2. The bribe is OFFERED for the purpose of perverting justice.
"a. But the offer is useless unless it is received.
"b. Even if bribes are offered, justice will be still carried out if the bribes are refused by the one TO WHOM they are offered.
"c. While both men are evil… both the one offering the bribe and the one receiving it, here Solomon emphasizes the evil of the one who RECEIVES it.
"3. The one RECEIVING a bribe is the one in a more responsible position.
"a. Judge; lawyer; witness who has sworn under an oath; a senator; legislator [lawmaker]; governor; CEO [chief executive officer of a company].
"b. Even if 90% of the population is corrupt [dishonest] and offer bribes, justice will prevail [win] if they [the bribes] are refused by the FEW [people] in responsible positions… where it matters."
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"4. Note also the secrecy involved here: out of the bosom.
"a. Bosom: refers to a fold in the garment used as a hidden pocket…
"b. When a bribe is covered up in the bosom and passed from the bosom to the one receiving it--BOTH parties realize that what they are doing is WRONG.
"c. The fact that they have to conceal [hide] it means they know what they are doing.
"d. When a bribe occurs BOTH parties are obviously guilty.
"→ They know WHAT they are doing (purposely perverting justice).
"→ And WHY they are doing it (to obtain an outcome favorable to the one offering the bribe).
"→ And they know it is WRONG (for they conceal it).
"e. Thus, they are guilty and accountable. No excuse.
"f. Of course hiding the gift in the bosom hides it from the sight of men, but certainly not from the eyes of the Lord."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_23/.
MARCH 16
Proverbs 16:6: "By mercy [kindness] and truth [of God] [i.e., because God the Father kept his promise and sent God the Son (Jesus Christ) to earth to die on the cross for the sins of the world] iniquity [sin, wickedness] is purged [cleansed] [by the blood of Jesus--if and when we receive him as Savior]: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil [stop doing bad things]."
"2. God is merciful and gracious. He is a pardoning God who purges iniquity.
"3. However, that is not to say that He [God] treats sin lightly.
"a. Those whose sins are forgiven and purged are expected to DEPART from evil…
"b. God is merciful and gracious to the repentant [people], but He is also a Judge who executes judgment against sin.
"c. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God… to hold on to sin in our lives before an infinitely holy God and to experience His chastening [correction, discipline] in our lives.
"d. Therefore, one whose sins have been purged is expected to FEAR God… and depart from evil.
"e. Don't assume that God's mercy and grace mean that He doesn't take sin seriously. He does.
"f. After speaking of God's mercy and truth which purge [cleanse] from sin, Solomon immediately reminds his readers of the exceeding [very great] sinfulness of sin!"
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_6/.
For detailed instructions for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. You'll find it here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
MARCH 15
In the evening before his crucifixion, Jesus said to his disciples:
John 16:21: "A [pregnant] woman when she is in travail [labor] hath [has] sorrow [sadness, grief], because her hour [the time for childbirth] is come [has arrived]: but as soon as she is delivered of the child [or 'as soon as she gives birth'], she remembereth no more [or 'she no longer remembers'] the anguish [pain], for [because of, due to] [her] joy that a man [a human being--a baby boy or girl] is born into the world."
"… Now our Lord [Jesus Christ], by this instance, illustrates the sorrow his disciples should have by his departure, and the joy that they should be possessed of upon his return to them; that as the pains of a woman in travail [labor] are very sharp and severe, and the distress of her mind, about the issue of things respecting herself and offspring [baby], is very great, so would be the grief and trouble of the disciples on account of the death of their Lord and master: but as when a woman is safely delivered of a man child, she is so filled with joy, that her sorrow is remembered no more so should it be with them [the disciples], when Christ should appear to them; all their trouble, concern, anxiety of mind, and fears, that attended them, would all vanish away, and they [the disciples] [would] be distressed with them [their trouble, concern, anxiety, and fears] no more."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/16-21.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
MARCH 14
Isaiah 45:18: "For thus saith [this said] the LORD [God,] that [who] created the heavens [the universe]; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath [has] established it [the earth], he created it not [he did not create it] in vain [without success, for no reason or purpose, simply to prove his power], [but instead] he formed it to be inhabited [occupied, lived in] [by people, animals, etc.]: I am the LORD [the one true God]; and there is none else [no other true God--see note below*]."
MARCH 12-13
Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right [correct] in his [or her] own eyes: but he [or she] that hearkeneth [hearkens] unto counsel [or 'the person who heeds (listens and pays attention to) good advice'] is wise."
"d. Even Christians learn to justify their actions… and rationalize them.
"• We watch things on TV and video that believers NEVER would have watched 25 years ago, and we justify it because, 'at least it's not as bad as that other show…'
"• Christians are listening to the golden oldies radio station and are listening to the old rock songs--and justifying it, because, after all, the Beach Boys aren't nearly as bad as the Gangster Rappers are today.
"• Churches are doing away with prayer meeting and justifying it because 'everybody's too tired'… it's too much trouble… and effort to come out [to church] mid week [in the middle of the week, usually on Wednesday]…
"• Believers [Christians] turn to drugs to calm down their nerves… and justify it because they have a prescription…
"• Some believers begin dating an unsaved person--and rationalize that after they get married, my spouse will surely get saved…
"• Some believers violate the biblical principle of separation and rationalize that they are doing it in order to lead someone to Christ. Separation will only turn them off…
"• EVERY way of man can be rationalized away…
"e. And if believers [Christians] can justify such evil things--surely men in the world [i.e., unsaved people] will!
"• Even terrorists justify their horrible plots and are RIGHT in their own eyes!
"• Abortionists are right in their own eyes.
"• One of the priests arrested in Boston [Massachusetts] was part of an organization that believes pedophilia [sexual feelings directed toward children] is right!
"• The violent animal rights groups have convinced themselves that they are right… and if they destroy businesses and lives in their crusade, so be it!
"• When two countries fight in a war--usually both sides think that they are right. One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-1215/.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,… Whether it be the way of open profaneness [irreverence, contempt for things of God], or self-righteousness [believing that you're better than everyone else], it appears to him to be the right way; it seems to him a very plain one, and he finds it pleasant; and, trusting to carnal [worldly] sense, corrupt reason, and a false judgment, and having a high opinion of himself and his own knowledge, [he] never asks after the right way, nor takes the advice of others; …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/12-15.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
MARCH 10-11
A Call to Praise God
Psalm 150:1: "Praise ye [you] the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary [i.e., wherever we worship him--in temples, churches, etc.]: praise him in the firmament of his power [meaning both on earth and in heaven]."
Psalm 150:2: "Praise him [God] for his mighty acts [or for all of the wonderful things he has done--creation, salvation, etc.)]: praise him according to his excellent greatness."
Psalm 150:3-5: "Praise him [God] with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery [an ancient stringed musical instrument, similar to a violin or guitar] and harp. Praise him with the timbrel [tambourine] and dance [dancing]: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon [with] the loud cymbals: praise him upon [with] the high sounding [the larger and louder] cymbals."
Psalm 150:6: "Let every thing that hath [has] breath [or 'everything that is breathing'; i.e., all living beings--angels, people, animals, etc.] praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
MARCH 7-9
How to Please God
John 6:24-25: "When the people [who had been following Jesus around and listening to him preach] therefore saw that Jesus was not there [at the seaside], [and] neither [were] his disciples, they also took shipping [or 'they also took ships,' meaning they got into boats], and came to Capernaum [where Jesus had been living after he left Nazareth], seeking [searching, looking] for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi [teacher, master], when camest thou hither [when did you come here]?"
John 6:26: "Jesus answered them [the people who had been looking for him] and said, Verily, verily [truly, truly], I say unto you, Ye [you] seek me, not because ye saw the miracles [that I performed, including the miracle of the loaves, in which Jesus multiplied five barley loaves and two small fish to feed 5,000 men and their families (perhaps totaling 15,000-20,000 people)--see note below*], but because ye [you] did eat of the loaves [of bread] [and the fish], and [therefore your stomachs] were filled."
John 6:27: "Labour not [don't labor only] for the meat [i.e., food for the body] which perisheth [perishes, spoils, rots, decays], but [also work] for that meat [spiritual food] which endureth unto [endures unto, leads to] everlasting life [in heaven], which the Son of man [Jesus, referring to himself,] shall give unto you: for [because] him [Jesus] hath [has] God the Father sealed [put his 'stamp of approval' on, which means that God confirmed that he sent Jesus to earth as the Messiah and Savior of mankind and approved of his teachings]."
John 6:28-29: "Then said they [the people] unto him [Jesus], What shall we do, that we might work the works of God [or 'what shall we do that will be acceptable to God']? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work [will] of God [the Father], that ye believe on him [Jesus] whom he [God] hath [has] sent [to earth] [to save sinners from hell]."
1. Have faith that Jesus Christ (who is God's Son, the Messiah, and Savior of the world) died on the cross to pay for our sins.
2. 'Believe on him' (trust in Jesus) for eternal life. This is another way of saying we must be 'born again,' or 'saved' according to the Bible.
Note: The plan of salvation is explained in detail in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
MARCH 4-6
Sometimes, In Response to Our Actions, God "Changes His Mind" (see note below*)
Jeremiah 18:1-2: "The word which came to [me, the prophet] Jeremiah from the LORD [in other words, God spoke to Jeremiah], saying, Arise [get up], and go down to the potter's house, and there I [God] will cause thee [you, Jeremiah] to hear my words."
Jeremiah 18:3-4: "Then I [Jeremiah] went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he [the potter] wrought a work [shaped some pottery] on the wheels [two stone wheels--see note below**]. And the vessel [a container--cup, bowl, vase, pitcher, etc.] that he made of clay was marred [damaged, ruined] in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel [a replacement], as seemed good to the potter to make it [i.e., he made something else by re-forming the clay]."
Jeremiah 18:5-6: "Then the word of the LORD [i.e., God] came to me [Jeremiah], saying, O house [nation, people] of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter [does with the clay]? saith [says] the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye [you] in mine [my] hand, O house of Israel."
Jeremiah 18:7-8: "At what instant [moment of time] I [God] shall speak [of my intentions] concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck [pick] [it] up, and to pull [it] down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I [God] have pronounced [judgment, destruction], [shall] turn from their evil [ways or deeds], I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them [or 'I will change my mind and not punish them']."
Jeremiah 18:9-10: "And at what instant [moment of time] I [God] shall speak [of my intentions] concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build [it up] and to plant it [e.g., to bless it (make it prosperous, protect it, etc.)]; If it [that nation] [will] do evil in my sight, [so] that it obey not [does not obey] my voice [i.e., if the people of that nation don't do what God says], then I [God] will repent of the good [things], wherewith [with which] I said I would benefit [do good to] them [in other words, God was stating that their disobedience would cause him to change his mind and withdraw (remove) his blessings]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/jeremiah-18.html, "Verse 8")
There is also a short video on You Tube of a potter making a clay pot. It's called "In The Potter's Hands" and can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_vf7D_n-4o.
MARCH 1-3
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God and delivered to Moses when he appeared before God on Mount Sinai. They were part of the comprehensive system of laws (moral, ceremonial, and judicial--see note below*) that God specifically gave to the Jewish nation, but these ten moral laws also applied (and still do apply) to everyone else in the world.
Exodus 20:2: "I am the LORD thy [your] God, which have brought thee [you, the children of Israel,] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage [God said this because the Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them]."
[1] Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt [you shall] have no other gods before me [God, meaning they were only to worship Almighty God, the one true God]."
[2] Exodus 20:4,5,6: "Thou shalt not make unto thee [or 'you shall not make for yourself'] any graven image [referring to idols made of wood, metal, and stone], or any likeness [such as pictures and statues] of any thing that is in heaven above [including God], or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself [yourself] to them [the idols, statues, etc.] [in worship], nor serve them: for [because] I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation [referring to the descendants] of them that hate me; And shewing [showing] mercy unto thousands [or 'unto the thousandth generation'] of them [the people] that love me [God], and keep my commandments."
[3] Exodus 20:7: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him [or her] guiltless [innocent] that taketh [takes] his name in vain. [This includes false oaths, unkept promises to God, common swearing where the name of God is used, jokes about God, etc.]"
[4] Exodus 20:8-9,10,11: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou [you] labour [labor], and do all thy work: But the seventh day [i.e., Saturday in the Old Testament, and Sunday in the New Testament] is the sabbath [the day of rest after labor] of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, [nor] thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and [he] rested the seventh day: wherefore [or 'for that reason'] the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy]."
[5] Exodus 20:12: "Honour [love, respect, and obey] thy [your] father and thy mother: [so] that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [gives you]."
[6] Exodus 20:13: "Thou shalt not kill [referring to the intentional murder of someone due to hatred or revenge]."
[7] Exodus 20:14: "Thou shalt not commit adultery[,] [which is voluntary intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse]."
[8] Exodus 20:15: "Thou shalt not steal."
[9] Exodus 20:16: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour [meaning you shall not give false testimony in court, spread gossip, tell lies about someone, etc.]."
[10] Exodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet [yearn to possess or have] thy neighbour's [or friend's or anyone else's] house [or land or possessions], thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass [donkey], nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
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In Matthew 22:37-8,39-40, Jesus summed up all of the above commandments as follows: "… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments [in the New Testament] hang all the law and the prophets [referring to what was written in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, including the law of Moses and the books of the prophets]."
-- "Why is 'You shall have no other gods before me' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/no-other-gods.html)
-- "What is the true meaning of the second commandment?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/second-commandment.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not murder' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-murder.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not commit adultery' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-commit-adultery.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not steal' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-steal.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not give false testimony' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-give-false-testimony.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not covet' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-covet.html)
-- "Are the Ten Commandments repeated in the New Testament?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Ten-Commandments-New-Testament.html)
The First Passover
Exodus 12:1-2: "And the LORD [God] spake unto [spoke to] Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month [Abib, or Nisan--March/April] shall be unto you the beginning of months [on the Jewish calendar]: it shall be the first month of the year to you [with respect to religious rites or ceremonies]."
Exodus 12:3: "Speak ye unto all the congregation [people] of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month [Abib] they shall take to them every man [every head of the household] a lamb [a young sheep or goat], according to the house of their fathers [or ancestors, or according to the group they belonged to--see note below*], a lamb for an house [or family, meaning one lamb per household]:"
Exodus 12:4: "And if the household be too little [in number] for the lamb [i.e., if there aren't enough people (at least 10 but no more than 20) in the family, including servants (but not uncircumcised males), to eat an entire lamb], let him [the head of the household] and his neighbour next unto his house [referring to the family or families living next door] take it [the lamb] according to the [total] number of the souls [people] [involved]; every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her] eating [or appetite] shall make [be included or considered in] your count for [sharing] the lamb." [According to some commentators, because this was done for a solemn (serious, formal) religious occasion, a portion, or serving, could have been as small as an olive.]
Exodus 12:5-6,7: "Your lamb shall be without blemish [meaning it would have no defects or imperfections], [and it shall be] a male of the first year: ye [you] shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it [with you, in your house, like a pet] up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly [gathering] of the congregation of Israel [meaning everyone, not just the priests] shall kill it in the evening [before sunset]. And they shall take of the blood, and [using a bunch of hyssop (a plant in the mint family) like a brush] strike it [with a slapping motion] on the two side posts [of the front door] and on the upper door post [also called 'lintel'] of the houses, wherein [in which] they shall eat it [the lamb] [after sunset]."
Exodus 12:8-9,10: "And they shall eat the flesh [meat] [of the lamb] in that night, roast[ed] with fire, and [with] unleavened bread [i.e., bread made without leaven, or yeast]; and with bitter herbs [to represent their bondage (as slaves) in Egypt] they shall eat it. Eat not of it [don't eat it] raw [rare, half-cooked, not thoroughly roasted], nor sodden at all with water [i.e., boiled], but roast[ed] with fire; his [the lamb's] head [should be roasted] with his legs [in other words, the lamb was to be roasted whole], and with the purtenance [entrails] thereof [referring to its internal organs, especially the heart, liver, and lungs]. And ye shall let nothing of it [none of the edible (suitable or safe to be eaten) parts (i.e., the meat and internal organs)] remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it [the lamb, meaning the inedible (not fit to be eaten) parts, such as bones] until the morning ye shall burn with fire."
Exodus 12:11,12: "And thus shall ye eat it [the meal, consisting of the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs]; with your loins girded [with your long, loose clothes tied up around your waist], your shoes [or sandals] on your feet, and your staff [walking stick] in your hand; and ye shall eat it [the meal] in haste [quickly]: it is the LORD'S passover. For [because] I [Almighty God] will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite [strike, kill] all [of] the firstborn [males, or 'the oldest son in each family'] in the land of Egypt, both man [mankind, human beings] and beast [animals]; and against all the gods [false gods, or idols] of Egypt [i.e., everything and everyone that the Egyptians worship] I [Almighty God] will execute [carry out] judgment: I am the LORD."
Exodus 12:13: "And the [lamb's] blood shall be to you for a token [sign] upon the houses where ye are: and when I [God] see the blood, I will pass over you [the Israelites], and the plague [calamity, disaster] shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite [strike, kill the firstborn males throughout] the land of Egypt."
Exodus 12:14: "And this day [Passover] shall be unto you [Israelites, Jewish people] for a memorial [reminder, remembrance]; and ye shall keep it [as] a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."
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In Moses' day, it was the blood of the sacrificial lambs applied to the doorposts that protected the children of Israel from God's judgment (i.e., the death of the firstborns in Egypt). Today, only the blood of the "Lamb of God" (i.e., God's Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay for our sins) can save us from God's wrath (extreme anger) and coming judgment (i.e., punishment in hell and the lake of fire) when it is applied to our hearts by faith. This takes place the moment we are saved, or born again.____________________
Note: My gospel tracts explain how to be saved according to the Bible. In case you're curious or interested, you can find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article entitled "What is Passover?" that has a lot of additional information about this Jewish holiday. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Passover.html.* * * * *
*According to Adam Clarke:"… The whole host of Israel [referring to all of the people of Israel] was divided into twelve tribes, these tribes [were divided] into families, the families [were divided] into houses, and the houses [were divided] into particular persons …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/12-3.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
MARCH 26-27
Leviticus 19:13: "Thou shalt not [you shall not] defraud thy neighbour [cheat anyone--neighbor, employee, stranger, friend, small business owner, etc.], neither [or] rob him [or her]: the wages [earnings, pay] of him [or her] that is hired [referring to a hired servant, someone who provides a product or service, or--in this case specifically (i.e., in Bible times, when the verse was written)--a day laborer, whose wages were due and paid at night] shall not abide with thee [remain with you] all night until the morning."
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Nowadays, most workers are paid weekly, biweekly (every two weeks), or monthly rather than on a daily basis. No matter when the money is due, employees should always be paid on time.* * * * *
The following story shows why it's important to promptly pay our bills:"Sad result of an unpaid bill
"A wealthy [rich] banker, who is noted [known] for his large subscriptions [contributions, gifts] to charities, and for his kindly habits of private benevolence [acts of kindness], was called on by his pastor, one evening, and asked to go with him to the help of a man who had attempted suicide. They found the man in a wretched house, in an alley not far from the banker's dwelling. The front room was a cobbler's shop; behind it, on a miserable bed, in the kitchen, lay the poor shoemaker, with a gaping gash in his throat, while his wife and children were gathered about him. 'We have been without food for days,' said the woman, when he returned. 'It is not my husband's fault. He is a hard-working, sober man. But he could neither get work, nor [get] pay for that which he had done. To-day he went for the last time to collect a debt due to him by a rich family, but the gentleman was not at home. My husband was weak from fasting [not eating], and seeing us starving drove him mad. So it ended that way,' turning to the fainting, motionless figure on the bed. The banker, having fed and warmed the family, hurried home, opened his desk and took out a file of little bills. All his large debts were promptly met, but he was apt to be careless about the accounts of milk, bread, &c. [etc.], because they were so petty [small, insignificant]. He found there a bill of Michael Goodlow's for repairing children's shoes … Michael Goodlow was the [man who had attempted to commit] suicide. It was the banker's unpaid debt which had brought these people to the verge [edge] of the grave, and driven this man to desperation, while, at the very time, the banker had given away hundreds [of dollars] in charity. The cobbler recovered, and will never [be in] want [need] [of] a friend while the banker lives, nor will a small unpaid bill ever again be found on the banker's table. No man has a right to be generous until his debts are paid; and the most efficient use of money is not alone in almsgiving [charity], but to pay liberally and promptly the people whom we employ."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/leviticus/19-13.html, "The Biblical Illustrator")
MARCH 25
Use Credit Wisely, and Love One Another
While discussing debt in a letter to the born-again Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote:
Romans 13:8: "Owe no man [person] any thing, but to love one another [i.e., we shouldn't owe anyone anything but love, which means not only that all of our bills should be paid on time, but also that we should have an ongoing love (affection) for mankind; this includes treating others kindly (doing nice things for them, praying for them when necessary, never harming them in any way--physically or mentally, etc.)]: for he [or she] that loveth [loves] another [person, or other people,] hath [has] fulfilled [obeyed] the law [of God]."
Romans 13:9: "For this [thing (loving one another) covers what God said in the second part (or 'human-to-human' section) of the Ten Commandments], [which includes] Thou shalt [you shall] not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness [or give false testimony in court, spread gossip, lie about someone, etc.], Thou shalt not covet [want something very badly]; and if there be any other commandment [of God], it is briefly comprehended [contained, included, understood, summed up] in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy [your] neighbour [neighbor, friend, relative, etc., meaning all other people] as [much as you love] thyself [yourself]."
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As you can see from the above list of commandments, love covers a multitude (large number) of sins. Also, as some Bible commentators have noted, love is an ongoing debt that can never be paid.* * * * *
Concerning the first part of verse 8, Adam Clarke wrote this in his commentary:"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another - In the preceding [foregoing, previous] verses the apostle [Paul] has been showing the duty, reverence [respect], and obedience, which all Christians, from the highest [in authority, or most important] to the lowest [in authority, or least important], owe to the civil magistrate [a judge or someone who is appointed by him or her]; whether he be emperor, king, proconsul [governor], or other state officer; here [in Romans 13:8] he [Paul] shows them [the Christians] their duty to each other: but this is widely different from that which they owe to the civil government: to the first [group of people mentioned (the government leaders)] they owe subjection, reverence, obedience, and tribute [honor]; to the latter [group of people mentioned; in this case, Christians and fellow citizens] they owe nothing but mutual love, and those offices which necessarily spring from it. Therefore, the apostle says, Owe no man; as if he had said: Ye owe to your fellow brethren [Christians and other people] nothing but mutual love, and this is what the law of God requires, and in this the law is fulfilled. Ye [you] are not bound in obedience to them [Christians and other people] as to the civil magistrate; for to him ye must needs be subject, not merely for fear of punishment, but for conscience sake: but to these [other people] ye are bound by love; and by that love especially which utterly prevents you from doing any thing by which a brother [or sister in Christ (a Christian), or any other person] may sustain [suffer, experience] any kind of injury."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/13-8.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
MARCH 24
Luke 6:45: "A good man [or woman or child, referring to someone with good morals] out of the good treasure of his [or her] heart [i.e., from the good things that are stored there] bringeth forth [brings forth] [from his (or her) mouth] that which is good; and an evil man [or woman or child--someone with bad morals] out of the evil treasure of his [or her] heart [or from the bad things that are stored there] bringeth forth [from his (or her) mouth] that which is evil: for [because] [out] of the abundance of the heart [from whatever fills a person's heart and mind] his [or her] mouth speaketh [speaks, or says]."
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Good (or bad) thoughts usually result in good (or bad) words, speech, or conversation. In other words, we usually say what we think.* * * * *
John Calvin said:"… For, though hypocrites [pretenders] express in words what is different from the feelings of their hearts, that is no reason why we may not justly and appropriately call the tongue the portrait [picture, or pictorial representation] of the mind."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/luke/6-45.html, "Calvin's Commentary on the Bible")
* * * * *
In his commentary on Luke 6, Matthew Henry summarized the above verse as follows:"… what the mouth ordinarily speaks, speaks with relish [enjoyment, pleasure] and delight, generally agrees with what is innermost and uppermost in the heart …"
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/luke/6.html, "v. 45")
MARCH 23
In this verse, King Solomon has advice for children, including (and especially) young adults:
Proverbs 23:22: "Hearken unto [listen to and obey] thy father that begat thee [referring to your biological father--the man who helped to conceive (produce, give life to) you], and despise not thy mother [don't disrespect your mother or treat her advice as unimportant] when she is old."
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In the Salem Bible Church commentaries on this chapter of Proverbs, verses 22 and 23 are combined because they both relate to similar things (i.e., parental advice):-- Proverbs 23:22: "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
-- Proverbs 23:23: "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
According to Pastor Jim Delany: "The point here [in these verses] is that aging parents still have valuable advice and counsel to give."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link:
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_22-23/.
MARCH 22
Prayer From a Man Who Loved God's Word
Although the identity of this psalm's author is unknown, it was probably King David, according to many well-known and highly respected Bible commentators. He prayed:
Psalm 119:97: "O how love I thy [your] law [Lord, referring to God's words, as recorded in the Bible]! it is my meditation [what I think about] all the day [at various times throughout the day and night]."
Psalm 119:98: "Thou [you, Lord,] through thy [your] commandments hast [have] made me wiser than mine [my] enemies: for they [the commandments] are ever [forever, always] with me."
Psalm 119:99-100: "I have more understanding than all [of] my teachers: for thy testimonies [the things that are written in the Bible] are my meditation [what I read about, study, memorize, and think about]. I understand more than the ancients [i.e., wise old men], because I keep thy precepts [which means that the psalmist followed God's rules of action for behavior and thought, especially in regard to moral conduct']."
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I'm sure that this prayer greatly pleased God. Hopefully, many born-again Christians can pray a similar prayer.MARCH 18-21
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Jesus frequently told parables (stories) while preaching so that his listeners would more easily understand the concept he was trying to teach. This is one of those cases.
Luke 10:25: "And, behold, a certain lawyer [one of the scribes--see Note 1 below] stood up, and tempted [tried to prove] him [Jesus], saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit [receive] eternal life [in heaven … or, 'what shall I do to be saved']?"
Luke 10:26,27-28: "He [Jesus] said unto him [the lawyer], What is written in the law [of Moses]? how readest thou [how do you read it, what does it say]?" And he [the lawyer] answering said, Thou shalt [you shall] love the Lord thy God with all thy [your] heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and [thou shalt love] thy neighbour as [much as you love (or should love)] thyself [yourself]. And he [Jesus] said unto him [the lawyer], Thou hast [you have] answered right [correctly]: this do [or 'do this'], and thou shalt live [forever--in heaven]."
Luke 10:29: "But he [the lawyer], willing to justify himself [or trying to make it appear that he was a righteous man], said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?"
Luke 10:30: "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves [got attacked by robbers], which stripped him of his raiment [clothing], and wounded him, and [then] departed [went away], leaving him half dead [or near death]."
Luke 10:31-32: "And by chance there came down a certain [Jewish] priest that way: and when he saw him [the man who had been attacked], he passed by on the other side [of the road]. And likewise [in a similar manner] a Levite [religious leader--assistant to the priests], when he was at the [same] place, came [over to where the injured man was lying] and looked on him, and [then] passed by on the other side [of the road]."
Luke 10:33-34: "But a certain Samaritan [a man from Samaria, whose people were hated by the Jews because they were 'half-breeds' (half-Jewish and half-Gentile)--see Note 2 below], as he journeyed [traveled], came [to the place] where he [the injured man] was: and when he saw him [the injured man], he had compassion on [sympathy for] him, And [the Samaritan] went to him [the injured man], and bound up [bandaged] his wounds, pouring in oil and wine [which he used as medicine to cleanse and heal the wounds], and set him [the injured man] on his own beast [of burden; i.e., the Samaritan's mule or donkey], and brought him [the injured man] to an inn, and took care of him."
Luke 10:35: "And on the morrow [the next day] when he [the Samaritan] departed [left, went away], he took out two pence [see Note 3 below], and gave them to the host [innkeeper], and said unto him, Take care of him [the injured man]; and whatsoever thou spendest more [whatever amount you spend more than that, or any extra amount that you spend], when I come again, I will repay thee [you]."
Luke 10:36-37: "Which now of these three [people--priest, Levite, Samaritan], thinkest thou [do you think], was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he [the lawyer] said, He that shewed [showed] mercy [kindness, compassion] on him [the injured man]. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise [do the same thing, or follow his example]."
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At the end of his commentary on this parable, Albert Barnes wrote:"Go, and do thou likewise - Show the same kindness to 'all' - to friend and foe [enemy] - and 'then' you will have evidence that you keep the law, and not 'till' then. Of this man [the good Samaritan] we know nothing farther; but from this inimitably [unable to be imitated or copied] beautiful parable we may learn:
"1. That the knowledge of the law is useful to make us acquainted with our own sinfulness and need of a Saviour.
"2. That it is not he who 'professes' most kindness that really loves us most, but he who will most deny himself that he may do us good in times of want [or need].
"3. That religion requires us to do good to 'all' people, however 'accidentally' we may become acquainted with their calamities [serious troubles, disastrous events].
"4. That we should do good to our enemies. Real love to them will lead us to deny ourselves, and to sacrifice our own welfare, that we may help them in times of distress and alleviate [ease, relieve] their wants.
"5. That he is really our neighbor who does us the most good - who helps us in our necessities, and especially if he does this when there has been 'a controversy or difference' between us and him.
"6. We hence [therefore] see the beauty of religion. Nothing else will induce people to surmount [overcome] their prejudices, to overcome opposition, and to do good to those who are at enmity with them [referring to people who hate them or are their enemies]. True religion teaches us to regard every man as our neighbor; prompts us to do good to all [people], to forget all national or sectional distinctions, and to aid all those who are in circumstances of poverty and want. If religion were valuable for nothing 'but this,' it would be the most lovely and desirable principle on earth, and all [people], especially in their early years [i.e., when they are young], should seek it. Nothing that a young person can gain will be so valuable as the feeling that regards all the world as one great family, and to learn early to do good to all.
"7. The difference between the Jew and the Samaritan was a difference in 'religion' and 'religious opinion;' and from the example of the latter [second] [word or phrase; in this case, 'religious opinion'] we may learn that, while people differ in 'opinions' on subjects of religion, and while they are zealous [filled with enthusiasm] for what they hold to be the truth, still they should treat each other kindly; that they should aid each other in necessity; and that they should thus show that religion is a principle [a general or basic truth] superior to the love of sect [a specific religious group], and that the cord which binds man to man is one that is to be sundered [split apart] by no difference of opinion, that Christian kindness is to be marred [damaged] by no forms of worship, and by no bigoted [prejudiced, biased] attachment for what we esteem the doctrines of the gospel."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/luke-10.html, "Verse 37")
* * * * *
NOTE 1:You can learn about scribes by reading "Who were the scribes that often argued with Jesus?" You can find it here:
https://www.gotquestions.org/scribes-Jesus.html.
NOTE 2:
For background information on Samaritans, read the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is a Samaritan?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Samaritan.html.
NOTE 3:
According to Wikipedia, pence is the same as denarius--a silver coin which was the usual day's wage for a laborer in Bible times.
MARCH 17
Proverbs 17:23: "A wicked man [or woman or child] taketh [takes] a gift out of the bosom [or 'from a hidden pocket in his (or her) clothing,' meaning that evil people offer bribes (money, gifts, promises, etc.)] to pervert the ways of judgment [to pervert justice (or prevent justice from taking place) and/or to keep secrets from being revealed]."
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Bad people give and take bribes in order to pervert justice.* * * * *
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. In it, Pastor Delany says, "Every offer of a bribe… every temptation to be dishonest is a test of our character."____________________
Here are two excerpts from Pastor Delany's commentary (i.e., the section entitled "The One Receiving a Bribe"):
"2. The bribe is OFFERED for the purpose of perverting justice.
"a. But the offer is useless unless it is received.
"b. Even if bribes are offered, justice will be still carried out if the bribes are refused by the one TO WHOM they are offered.
"c. While both men are evil… both the one offering the bribe and the one receiving it, here Solomon emphasizes the evil of the one who RECEIVES it.
"3. The one RECEIVING a bribe is the one in a more responsible position.
"a. Judge; lawyer; witness who has sworn under an oath; a senator; legislator [lawmaker]; governor; CEO [chief executive officer of a company].
"b. Even if 90% of the population is corrupt [dishonest] and offer bribes, justice will prevail [win] if they [the bribes] are refused by the FEW [people] in responsible positions… where it matters."
____________________
"4. Note also the secrecy involved here: out of the bosom.
"a. Bosom: refers to a fold in the garment used as a hidden pocket…
"b. When a bribe is covered up in the bosom and passed from the bosom to the one receiving it--BOTH parties realize that what they are doing is WRONG.
"c. The fact that they have to conceal [hide] it means they know what they are doing.
"d. When a bribe occurs BOTH parties are obviously guilty.
"→ They know WHAT they are doing (purposely perverting justice).
"→ And WHY they are doing it (to obtain an outcome favorable to the one offering the bribe).
"→ And they know it is WRONG (for they conceal it).
"e. Thus, they are guilty and accountable. No excuse.
"f. Of course hiding the gift in the bosom hides it from the sight of men, but certainly not from the eyes of the Lord."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_23/.
MARCH 16
Proverbs 16:6: "By mercy [kindness] and truth [of God] [i.e., because God the Father kept his promise and sent God the Son (Jesus Christ) to earth to die on the cross for the sins of the world] iniquity [sin, wickedness] is purged [cleansed] [by the blood of Jesus--if and when we receive him as Savior]: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil [stop doing bad things]."
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Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. This is what it says about it in the second half:"2. God is merciful and gracious. He is a pardoning God who purges iniquity.
"3. However, that is not to say that He [God] treats sin lightly.
"a. Those whose sins are forgiven and purged are expected to DEPART from evil…
"b. God is merciful and gracious to the repentant [people], but He is also a Judge who executes judgment against sin.
"c. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God… to hold on to sin in our lives before an infinitely holy God and to experience His chastening [correction, discipline] in our lives.
"d. Therefore, one whose sins have been purged is expected to FEAR God… and depart from evil.
"e. Don't assume that God's mercy and grace mean that He doesn't take sin seriously. He does.
"f. After speaking of God's mercy and truth which purge [cleanse] from sin, Solomon immediately reminds his readers of the exceeding [very great] sinfulness of sin!"
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_6/.
* * * * *
Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ (God's Son) as your personal Savior and been cleansed from sin? If not, and if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him, through prayer (either silently or out loud), to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.For detailed instructions for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. You'll find it here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
MARCH 15
In the evening before his crucifixion, Jesus said to his disciples:
John 16:21: "A [pregnant] woman when she is in travail [labor] hath [has] sorrow [sadness, grief], because her hour [the time for childbirth] is come [has arrived]: but as soon as she is delivered of the child [or 'as soon as she gives birth'], she remembereth no more [or 'she no longer remembers'] the anguish [pain], for [because of, due to] [her] joy that a man [a human being--a baby boy or girl] is born into the world."
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Jesus' statement that the pain of childbirth is forgotten when the baby arrives is true for most expectant mothers. However, according to John Gill, it was actually meant to comfort Jesus' disciples concerning his upcoming death and resurrection. Here's what the pastor said in his commentary on this verse:"… Now our Lord [Jesus Christ], by this instance, illustrates the sorrow his disciples should have by his departure, and the joy that they should be possessed of upon his return to them; that as the pains of a woman in travail [labor] are very sharp and severe, and the distress of her mind, about the issue of things respecting herself and offspring [baby], is very great, so would be the grief and trouble of the disciples on account of the death of their Lord and master: but as when a woman is safely delivered of a man child, she is so filled with joy, that her sorrow is remembered no more so should it be with them [the disciples], when Christ should appear to them; all their trouble, concern, anxiety of mind, and fears, that attended them, would all vanish away, and they [the disciples] [would] be distressed with them [their trouble, concern, anxiety, and fears] no more."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/16-21.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
MARCH 14
Isaiah 45:18: "For thus saith [this said] the LORD [God,] that [who] created the heavens [the universe]; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath [has] established it [the earth], he created it not [he did not create it] in vain [without success, for no reason or purpose, simply to prove his power], [but instead] he formed it to be inhabited [occupied, lived in] [by people, animals, etc.]: I am the LORD [the one true God]; and there is none else [no other true God--see note below*]."
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*GotQuestions.org has published an answer to the question "Who is the one true God?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/one-true-God.html.MARCH 12-13
Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right [correct] in his [or her] own eyes: but he [or she] that hearkeneth [hearkens] unto counsel [or 'the person who heeds (listens and pays attention to) good advice'] is wise."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, especially when he talks about fools. Here's part of what he says in paragraph 3 in the section entitled "Right in his own eyes":"d. Even Christians learn to justify their actions… and rationalize them.
"• We watch things on TV and video that believers NEVER would have watched 25 years ago, and we justify it because, 'at least it's not as bad as that other show…'
"• Christians are listening to the golden oldies radio station and are listening to the old rock songs--and justifying it, because, after all, the Beach Boys aren't nearly as bad as the Gangster Rappers are today.
"• Churches are doing away with prayer meeting and justifying it because 'everybody's too tired'… it's too much trouble… and effort to come out [to church] mid week [in the middle of the week, usually on Wednesday]…
"• Believers [Christians] turn to drugs to calm down their nerves… and justify it because they have a prescription…
"• Some believers begin dating an unsaved person--and rationalize that after they get married, my spouse will surely get saved…
"• Some believers violate the biblical principle of separation and rationalize that they are doing it in order to lead someone to Christ. Separation will only turn them off…
"• EVERY way of man can be rationalized away…
"e. And if believers [Christians] can justify such evil things--surely men in the world [i.e., unsaved people] will!
"• Even terrorists justify their horrible plots and are RIGHT in their own eyes!
"• Abortionists are right in their own eyes.
"• One of the priests arrested in Boston [Massachusetts] was part of an organization that believes pedophilia [sexual feelings directed toward children] is right!
"• The violent animal rights groups have convinced themselves that they are right… and if they destroy businesses and lives in their crusade, so be it!
"• When two countries fight in a war--usually both sides think that they are right. One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-1215/.
* * * * *
Another Bible commentator, John Gill, wrote:"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,… Whether it be the way of open profaneness [irreverence, contempt for things of God], or self-righteousness [believing that you're better than everyone else], it appears to him to be the right way; it seems to him a very plain one, and he finds it pleasant; and, trusting to carnal [worldly] sense, corrupt reason, and a false judgment, and having a high opinion of himself and his own knowledge, [he] never asks after the right way, nor takes the advice of others; …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/12-15.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
MARCH 10-11
A Call to Praise God
Psalm 150:1: "Praise ye [you] the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary [i.e., wherever we worship him--in temples, churches, etc.]: praise him in the firmament of his power [meaning both on earth and in heaven]."
Psalm 150:2: "Praise him [God] for his mighty acts [or for all of the wonderful things he has done--creation, salvation, etc.)]: praise him according to his excellent greatness."
Psalm 150:3-5: "Praise him [God] with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery [an ancient stringed musical instrument, similar to a violin or guitar] and harp. Praise him with the timbrel [tambourine] and dance [dancing]: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon [with] the loud cymbals: praise him upon [with] the high sounding [the larger and louder] cymbals."
Psalm 150:6: "Let every thing that hath [has] breath [or 'everything that is breathing'; i.e., all living beings--angels, people, animals, etc.] praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
MARCH 7-9
How to Please God
John 6:24-25: "When the people [who had been following Jesus around and listening to him preach] therefore saw that Jesus was not there [at the seaside], [and] neither [were] his disciples, they also took shipping [or 'they also took ships,' meaning they got into boats], and came to Capernaum [where Jesus had been living after he left Nazareth], seeking [searching, looking] for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi [teacher, master], when camest thou hither [when did you come here]?"
John 6:26: "Jesus answered them [the people who had been looking for him] and said, Verily, verily [truly, truly], I say unto you, Ye [you] seek me, not because ye saw the miracles [that I performed, including the miracle of the loaves, in which Jesus multiplied five barley loaves and two small fish to feed 5,000 men and their families (perhaps totaling 15,000-20,000 people)--see note below*], but because ye [you] did eat of the loaves [of bread] [and the fish], and [therefore your stomachs] were filled."
John 6:27: "Labour not [don't labor only] for the meat [i.e., food for the body] which perisheth [perishes, spoils, rots, decays], but [also work] for that meat [spiritual food] which endureth unto [endures unto, leads to] everlasting life [in heaven], which the Son of man [Jesus, referring to himself,] shall give unto you: for [because] him [Jesus] hath [has] God the Father sealed [put his 'stamp of approval' on, which means that God confirmed that he sent Jesus to earth as the Messiah and Savior of mankind and approved of his teachings]."
John 6:28-29: "Then said they [the people] unto him [Jesus], What shall we do, that we might work the works of God [or 'what shall we do that will be acceptable to God']? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work [will] of God [the Father], that ye believe on him [Jesus] whom he [God] hath [has] sent [to earth] [to save sinners from hell]."
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In other words (according to John 6:29), in order to please God, we must do the following:1. Have faith that Jesus Christ (who is God's Son, the Messiah, and Savior of the world) died on the cross to pay for our sins.
2. 'Believe on him' (trust in Jesus) for eternal life. This is another way of saying we must be 'born again,' or 'saved' according to the Bible.
Note: The plan of salvation is explained in detail in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
* * * * *
*You can read about the miracle of the loaves in this article: "What can we learn from Jesus' feeding of the 5,000?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/feeding-the-5000.html.MARCH 4-6
Sometimes, In Response to Our Actions, God "Changes His Mind" (see note below*)
Jeremiah 18:1-2: "The word which came to [me, the prophet] Jeremiah from the LORD [in other words, God spoke to Jeremiah], saying, Arise [get up], and go down to the potter's house, and there I [God] will cause thee [you, Jeremiah] to hear my words."
Jeremiah 18:3-4: "Then I [Jeremiah] went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he [the potter] wrought a work [shaped some pottery] on the wheels [two stone wheels--see note below**]. And the vessel [a container--cup, bowl, vase, pitcher, etc.] that he made of clay was marred [damaged, ruined] in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel [a replacement], as seemed good to the potter to make it [i.e., he made something else by re-forming the clay]."
Jeremiah 18:5-6: "Then the word of the LORD [i.e., God] came to me [Jeremiah], saying, O house [nation, people] of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter [does with the clay]? saith [says] the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye [you] in mine [my] hand, O house of Israel."
Jeremiah 18:7-8: "At what instant [moment of time] I [God] shall speak [of my intentions] concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck [pick] [it] up, and to pull [it] down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I [God] have pronounced [judgment, destruction], [shall] turn from their evil [ways or deeds], I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them [or 'I will change my mind and not punish them']."
Jeremiah 18:9-10: "And at what instant [moment of time] I [God] shall speak [of my intentions] concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build [it up] and to plant it [e.g., to bless it (make it prosperous, protect it, etc.)]; If it [that nation] [will] do evil in my sight, [so] that it obey not [does not obey] my voice [i.e., if the people of that nation don't do what God says], then I [God] will repent of the good [things], wherewith [with which] I said I would benefit [do good to] them [in other words, God was stating that their disobedience would cause him to change his mind and withdraw (remove) his blessings]."
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The above verses apply to all nations, not just Israel.* * * * *
According to Albert Barnes, we learn from this passage (specifically, Jeremiah 18:7-8,9-10) that God's dealings with mankind are conditional, based upon our conduct.(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/jeremiah-18.html, "Verse 8")
* * * * *
*GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the following question: "Does God change His mind?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-change-mind.html.* * * * *
**There is an interesting article on the Internet entitled "Potter's Wheel," which provides information on potter's wheels in Bible times. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://bible.org/illustration/potter%E2%80%99s-wheel.There is also a short video on You Tube of a potter making a clay pot. It's called "In The Potter's Hands" and can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_vf7D_n-4o.
MARCH 1-3
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God and delivered to Moses when he appeared before God on Mount Sinai. They were part of the comprehensive system of laws (moral, ceremonial, and judicial--see note below*) that God specifically gave to the Jewish nation, but these ten moral laws also applied (and still do apply) to everyone else in the world.
Exodus 20:2: "I am the LORD thy [your] God, which have brought thee [you, the children of Israel,] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage [God said this because the Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them]."
[1] Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt [you shall] have no other gods before me [God, meaning they were only to worship Almighty God, the one true God]."
[2] Exodus 20:4,5,6: "Thou shalt not make unto thee [or 'you shall not make for yourself'] any graven image [referring to idols made of wood, metal, and stone], or any likeness [such as pictures and statues] of any thing that is in heaven above [including God], or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself [yourself] to them [the idols, statues, etc.] [in worship], nor serve them: for [because] I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation [referring to the descendants] of them that hate me; And shewing [showing] mercy unto thousands [or 'unto the thousandth generation'] of them [the people] that love me [God], and keep my commandments."
[3] Exodus 20:7: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him [or her] guiltless [innocent] that taketh [takes] his name in vain. [This includes false oaths, unkept promises to God, common swearing where the name of God is used, jokes about God, etc.]"
[4] Exodus 20:8-9,10,11: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou [you] labour [labor], and do all thy work: But the seventh day [i.e., Saturday in the Old Testament, and Sunday in the New Testament] is the sabbath [the day of rest after labor] of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, [nor] thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and [he] rested the seventh day: wherefore [or 'for that reason'] the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy]."
[5] Exodus 20:12: "Honour [love, respect, and obey] thy [your] father and thy mother: [so] that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [gives you]."
[6] Exodus 20:13: "Thou shalt not kill [referring to the intentional murder of someone due to hatred or revenge]."
[7] Exodus 20:14: "Thou shalt not commit adultery[,] [which is voluntary intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse]."
[8] Exodus 20:15: "Thou shalt not steal."
[9] Exodus 20:16: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour [meaning you shall not give false testimony in court, spread gossip, tell lies about someone, etc.]."
[10] Exodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet [yearn to possess or have] thy neighbour's [or friend's or anyone else's] house [or land or possessions], thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass [donkey], nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
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Commandments 1-4 above concern our duty to God; the last six concern our duty to ourselves and mankind.____________________
In Matthew 22:37-8,39-40, Jesus summed up all of the above commandments as follows: "… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments [in the New Testament] hang all the law and the prophets [referring to what was written in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, including the law of Moses and the books of the prophets]."
* * * * *
*GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org also has these articles relating to the Ten Commandments:-- "Why is 'You shall have no other gods before me' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/no-other-gods.html)
-- "What is the true meaning of the second commandment?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/second-commandment.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not murder' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-murder.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not commit adultery' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-commit-adultery.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not steal' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-steal.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not give false testimony' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-give-false-testimony.html)
-- "Why is 'You shall not covet' in the Ten Commandments?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-covet.html)
-- "Are the Ten Commandments repeated in the New Testament?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Ten-Commandments-New-Testament.html)
