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.

MARCH 31
Philippians 2:5, 6, 7, 8

A Lesson in Humility and Obedience

In a letter to the Christian church in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote:

Philippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus [in other words, follow the example of Jesus Christ, God's Son, concerning humility and obedience]:"

Philippians 2:6-7: "Who [referring to Jesus], being in the form of God [i.e., having the same splendor (magnificent appearance) and majesty (greatness, dignity, honor, excellence) as God the Father], thought it not [did not consider it] robbery to be equal with God [note: it wasn't robbery because Jesus is equal with God--see note below*]: But made himself of no reputation [meaning he laid aside his majesty and glory], and [willingly] took upon him the form of a servant [in this case, the body of a human being, in a lowly position in life], and was made in the likeness of men:"

Philippians 2:8: "And being found in fashion as [or 'in the form of'] a man, he [Jesus] humbled himself [to God the Father and to everyone he came in contact with on earth], and became obedient [to God's will] unto [until] death, even the [long-lasting, extremely painful, and humiliating] death of the cross [so that sinners could be saved from hell and the lake of fire--see note below**]."
*The Godhead, or Trinity, consists of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (i.e., one God in three persons), all of whom are equal, according to 1 John 5:7, which says:

"For there are three [persons] that bear record in heaven, [God] the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ, the Son of God], and the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]: and these three [persons] are one [God]."

This is explained very well in the following article: "What does it mean that the Trinity is God in three Persons?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-in-three-persons.html.
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GotQuestions.org has another article that relates to today's verse. It's entitled "What does it mean that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (Philippians 2:6)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/equality-with-God.html.

**During the crucifixion, Jesus became the sacrifice for the sins of the world (i.e., all human beings, everyone on earth). For more information on this subject, read the article entitled "Why did Jesus have to die?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/why-Jesus-die.html.

Because of Jesus' sacrifice for sin, you can have eternal life.

If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you must 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.

Why not do it now?
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Note: For detailed instructions on the plan of salvation, read one or more of the tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

MARCH 29-30
Exodus 12:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

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 [you, or just 'speak'] unto all the congregation [or 'to all the people'] of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month [Abib] they [the people] shall take to them every man [referring to every head of the household] a lamb [i.e., a young sheep (although goats were allowed, too)], 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--see note below**), 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 [requirements, or 'appetite'] shall make [or be included or considered in] your count for [sharing] the lamb." [Note: According to some Bible commentators, because this was done for a solemn (serious, formal) religious occasion, a portion, or serving, could have been as small in size 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 [flock of] sheep [preferably], or from the [herd of] goats: And ye shall keep it [with you, in your house, like a pet] up until the fourteenth day of the same month [in which you took it away from the other animals]: and the whole assembly [or 'gathering'] of the congregation of Israel [meaning everyone, not just the priests] shall kill it [the lamb] in the evening [before sunset]. And they shall take of the blood [of the lamb], 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 [the Israelites] shall eat the flesh [meat] [of the lamb that was killed] in that night, roast [or 'roasted'] 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 [or 'don't eat it'] raw [rare, half-cooked, not thoroughly roasted], nor sodden [soaked] at all with water [i.e., not boiled], but roast [or 'roasted'] 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 [or 'none'] of it [the edible (suitable or safe to be eaten) parts (i.e., the meat and internal organs)] remain until the morning; and that which remaineth [remains] 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 [or 'with your long, loose clothes tied up around your waist'], [with] your shoes [or sandals] on your feet, and [with] your staff [walking stick] in your hand; and ye shall eat it [the meal] in haste [or quickly]: it is the LORD'S passover. For [because] I [Almighty God] will pass through the land of Egypt [on] this night, and will smite [strike, kill] all [of] the firstborn [males, meaning the oldest son in each family] in the land of Egypt, both man [mankind, human beings] and beast [animals]; and against all [of] 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 [of the lamb], 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 [i.e., Passover] shall be unto you [Israelites, Jewish people] for a memorial [reminder, remembrance]; and ye shall keep it [every year] [as] a feast to the LORD throughout your generations [or from one generation to the next]; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance [i.e., a decree or command] for ever."
When Moses was alive, 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 (Jesus' blood) is applied to our hearts by faith. This takes place the moment we are saved, or born again.
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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 GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is Passover?" has lots of additional information about this Jewish holiday. Here's that link: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Passover.html.
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You may be wondering, "Should Christians celebrate Passover?" The GotQuestions.org article by the same name answers that question and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christians-celebrate-Passover.html.

*According to Adam Clarke:

"… The whole host of Israel [referring to the entire nation 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")

**"What does the Bible say about circumcision?" explains what circumcision is and why it is done. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/circumcision.html.

MARCH 28
Proverbs 28:13

Proverbs 28:13: "He [or she] that covereth [tries to cover up, conceal, or hide] his [or her] sins [by denying them, blaming others for them, making excuses for them, etc.] shall not prosper [succeed]: but whoso [whoever] confesseth [confesses, acknowledges] [those sins] [to God, in prayer, and perhaps even to people, in public] and forsaketh [forsakes, gives up, renounces] them [the sins] shall have mercy [compassion and forgiveness--from God  and, hopefully, also from human beings]."
If we want to have peace with God, and freedom from a guilty conscience, we need to confess and forsake our sins.

According to the Bible, only God can forgive sins. For example, Luke 5:21 says: "And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason [question, or think to themselves], saying [in regard to Jesus], Who is this which speaketh [or 'who speaks'] blasphemies [or 'who shows disrespect towards God or sacred things']? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on today's verse. In it, Pastor Delany says that following Adam and Eve's example of covering their sin in the Garden of Eden (when they ate the forbidden fruit and then tried to run and hide from God, cover their nakedness with fig leaves, and blame the serpent [who was really the devil in disguise] for their disobedience) is not a good idea. He adds: "This has been the consistent method man has used in dealing with his sin ever since [then]: cover it up and run and hide… and pretend it never happened… or pretend that it wasn't that bad…" Instead, we should acknowledge (admit) our sins, forsake them, and ask for God's forgiveness. That's the only way that our fellowship with God can be restored.
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The above-mentioned commentary ends with this:

"B. Shall Have Mercy

"1. The one who covers his sins shall not be successful. He will have misery… suffering… failure… and chastening…

"2. But the one who acknowledges his sins and forsakes them, shall have mercy. Which would you rather have?

"3. Mercy: Compassion; to be loved; to show strong affection for; to have deep sympathy for; to feel sorry for.

"4. Psalm 103:13 - 'Like as a father pitieth [pities, feels sorrow or compassion for] his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.'

"a. This is a fatherly kind of pity towards a beloved child.

"b. The father feels sorry and sympathetic when a beloved child fails or falls.

"c. The relationship is restored. Fellowship resumes.

"5. This is the JOY that [King] David experienced when he acknowledged his sin before the Lord.

"a. Ps. 32:1 -- That's when he [David] wrote BLESSED IS THE MAN whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins is covered.

"b. Ps. 32:7 -- Then he experienced the joy of restored fellowship. Instead of hiding FROM God, he discovered he could hide himself IN God… God was once again his hiding place… his refuge [shelter, protection from trouble]…

"c. Ps. 32:10-11 -- David learned experientially [i.e., from experience] of the sorrow of being out of fellowship [with God]… and of the mercy of restored fellowship. That brought to his heart gladness and rejoicing… shouting for joy!"
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If you want to read the pastor's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "28:13."

An excellent article related to today's verse is entitled "What is the proper way to handle sin in my life?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/handling-sin.html.

MARCH 27
Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God [the Bible--see Note 1 below] is quick [alive], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword [i.e., one whose blade is sharp on both sides], piercing even to the dividing asunder [or 'cutting through and causing separation'] of soul and spirit [explained in Note 2 below], and [also causing separation] of the joints [places in the body (elbow, knee, etc.) where two bones are joined together] and marrow [a substance contained within the bones], and [as such, the word of God] is a discerner of [meaning it can detect, discover, judge] the thoughts and intents [intentions] of the heart [or, in this case, a person's mind, and conscience]."
In his commentary, Albert Barnes said Hebrews 4:12 shows "… that we cannot escape the notice of God; that all insincerity, unbelief, hypocrisy [i.e., pretending to have qualities or beliefs that we do not really have], will be detected by him [God]; and that since our hearts are perfectly open before him, we should be sincere and should not attempt to deceive [fool] him. The sense is, that the truth of God is all-penetrating and searching, and that the real thoughts and intents of the heart [referring to our true intentions and motives] will be brought to light [or exposed], and that if there is insincerity [not expressing your true feelings] and self-deception [such as blaming others for personal failures] there can be no hope of escape. …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/hebrews-4.html, "Verse 12")

NOTE 1:

For a detailed explanation of why the Bible is called the word of God, read "Is the Bible truly God's Word?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-God-Word.html.

NOTE 2:

Regarding soul and spirit: "The soul and the spirit are connected, but separable [able to be separated or treated separately] … The soul is the essence [the basic nature, the life-giving part] of humanity's being [or 'of human beings']; it is who we are. The spirit is the immaterial [spiritual] part of humanity that connects with God."

(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/soul-spirit.html, "What is the difference between the soul and spirit of humanity?")

Another GotQuestions.org article about today's verse is entitled "What does it mean that the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Word-of-God-living-and-active.html.

MARCH 26
1 Peter 2:11

In a letter to people who were 'born again' according to the Bible, the apostle Peter wrote:

1 Peter 2:11: "Dearly beloved [Christians], I beseech [call upon, appeal to, beg] you as strangers and pilgrims [or 'as travelers on earth (not literally, but spiritually), since your citizenship (your true home) is in heaven'], abstain [keep yourself] from fleshly lusts [such as sexual gratification (via pornographic videos, TV programs, books, magazines, etc.), sexual immorality (adultery and fornication), gluttony (overeating), drunkenness, and drug abuse], which war [fight] against the soul [by corrupting the mind (conscience, understanding, judgment, memory, imagination) and hardening the heart against spiritual things];"
The reference to strangers and pilgrims in today's verse makes me think of a popular hymn that is sung in Christian churches and elsewhere. It's entitled "This World Is Not My Home" and begins as follows:

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through
"My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
"The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
"And I can't feel at home in this world anymore."

(Source for lyrics: https://hymnary.org/text/this_world_is_not_my_home_im_just_a?extended=true)

Regarding 1 Peter 2:11, Matthew Henry wrote:

"… He [Peter] exhorts [encourages] them [the Christians] further to adorn [embellish, make more attractive] their profession [of salvation] by an honest conversation [or, in this case, lifestyle]. Their conversation [behavior] in every turn, every instance, and every action of their lives, ought to be honest; that is, good, lovely, decent, amiable [pleasant and friendly], and without blame: and that because they [the Christians] lived among the Gentiles [non-Jewish people], people of another religion, and who were inveterate [deep-rooted, long-established] enemies to them, who did already slander [lie about] them and constantly spoke evil of them as of evil-doers. 'A clean, just, good conversation may not only stop their mouths, but may possibly be a means to bring them to glorify God, and turn to you [Christians], when they shall see you excel [surpass, do better than] all others [or 'everyone else'] in good works [good deeds]. They now call you evil-doers; vindicate yourselves [i.e., clear your name] by good works [good behavior], this is the way to convince them [to change their minds] …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-peter/2.html, "Verses 4-12," "v. 11")

Another Bible commentator wrote:

"Here is timeless [never-changing] truth. Whether we like it or not, every Christian is an advertisement for Christianity; by his [or her] life he [or she] either commends [recommends] it [Christianity] to others or makes them think less of it. The strongest missionary force in the world is a Christian life."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/2-11.html, "Barclay's Daily Study Bible," "THE GREATEST ANSWER AND DEFENCE …")

The GotQuestions.org article that relates to today's verse is entitled "What does it mean that sinful desires wage war against your soul (1 Peter 2:11)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/wage-war-against-your-soul.html.

MARCH 22-25
Proverbs 22:1

The Importance of a Good Reputation

Proverbs 22:1: "A good name [reputation] [for example, being known as someone who is kind, honest, hard-working, etc.] is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour [favor, acceptance, approval] [from everyone--people and God] [is to be chosen] rather than silver and gold."
At the end of his Bible study notes on this verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church said:

"A good name and favor is not something after which that we should CONSCIOUSLY seek. … But a life dedicated to pleasing God will usually earn the respect and favor of men too."
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The following excerpts are taken from the first section of Pastor Delany's commentary (entitled "A Good Name …"):

Paragraph 3:

"a. There is not as much importance given to a good name (on a personal level) in our culture [nation, society] today as there used to be… and as there still is in other cultures.
"• There is no stigma [shame, disgrace] to having a baby out of wedlock [i.e., without being married] any more.
"• There is not much shame in being convicted [found guilty] for crimes. Sometimes criminals go on to have their own TV shows, or a talk radio show.
"• There was a time when your name was disgraced, that a family might have to move across the country to start over… but that doesn't happen anymore.
"• Parents used to be concerned about their child's behavior because bad behavior was a disgrace to the family name.
"• That sense of the value of one's 'name' has been greatly diminished [meaning it has become less important] in our generation.
"• But regardless of what our present culture says, God's Word [as recorded in the Bible] says that a good name is EXTREMELY valuable!"
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Paragraph 4:

"o. Rev. 2:3 -- Whatever WE do as believers [or 'born-again Christians'] is to be done for the Lord's NAME's sake. Our service is for His name's sake (for His reputation)."

"t. God is far more concerned about His reputation and His testimony than we might think.

"u. And since HIS name and reputation are connected to our name and reputation, that makes our personal testimony on earth important.

"v. That's why we should exert great CARE about our behavior, our deportment [manners], our attitude, our speech, our deeds [actions], even our appearance before men."
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If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "22:1."

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022. At her funeral service, which was broadcast throughout the world and watched by an estimated 4 billion people, I--as well as many others, I'm sure--discovered that during her life, the queen was a born-again Christian and an excellent example of someone who "chose a good name" rather than "great riches," and "loving favour rather than silver or gold."
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Apparently, the queen selected much of the music and many of the scriptures (Bible verses) that were included in her funeral service (the video of which can be found here: https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/18/uk/order-of-service-queen-funeral-intl-gbr/index.html).
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The readings included the following Bible verses:

Job 19:25: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:"

Psalm 23:1-6: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD [in heaven] for ever."

John 11:25: "Jesus said unto her [Martha, after her brother (Lazarus) had died], I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

John 14:2-3: "In my Father's [God's] house [in heaven] are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 14:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father [God], but by me."

Romans 8:38-39: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities [high-ranking spiritual beings], nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:20-22: "But now is [Jesus] Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits [first part] of them that slept [in death, or 'were dead'] [and will be resurrected]. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam [i.e., because of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden] all [people] die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

1 Corinthians 15:53-54: "For this [reason (i.e., for a Christian to enter heaven--in this case, during the rapture,] corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [body] must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption [which means that people must be given spiritual bodies], and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain  [or 'is not without success'] in the Lord."

1 Timothy 6:7: "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

Revelation 21:4: "And [in heaven,] God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
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In addition to the above, the sermon that the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered at Queen Elizabeth's funeral contained many references to salvation, judgment, heaven, eternal life, serving Christ, etc. If you want to read it, here's a link: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-sermons/sermon-given-at-the-state-funeral-of-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii/.
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These are some excerpts from the archbishop's sermon (mentioned above):

"The pattern for many leaders is to be exalted in life and forgotten after death. The pattern for all who serve God -- famous or obscure [not famous, unknown], respected or ignored - is that death is the door to glory [or 'eternal life']."
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"Jesus -- who in our reading does not tell his disciples how to follow, but who to follow -- said: 'I am the way, the truth and the life.' Her late Majesty's example was not set through her position or her ambition, but through whom she followed."
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"Her [the queen's] allegiance [loyalty] to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her. Her service to so many people in this nation, the Commonwealth and the world, had its foundation in her following [Jesus] Christ -- God himself -- who said that he 'came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom [payment for sin] for many.'

"People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten."
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"Her late Majesty's [television] broadcast during Covid lockdown ended with: 'We will meet again,' words of hope from a song of Vera Lynn. Christian hope means certain expectation of something not yet seen.

"Christ rose from the dead and offers [eternal] life to all [people], abundant life now and life with God in eternity.

"As the Christmas carol says, 'where meek souls will receive him [Jesus], still the dear Christ enters in.'

"We will all face the merciful judgment of God: we can all share the Queen's hope which in life and death inspired her servant leadership.

"Service in life, hope in death. All who follow the Queen's example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: 'We will meet again.'"

For people who have bad reputations, another Bible commentator said:

"… There are those who affect indifference to [or pretend to not care about] what a silly or malicious [harmful, unkind] world may think or say of them. … Professing to despise [hate] the ill [unfavorable] opinion of mankind [human beings] creates a shrewd [fairly sure but not completely sure] suspicion that we have deserved it …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/proverbs-22.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "On good character, or general esteem of mankind")

Here are two articles that relate to today's verse:

-- "How is choosing a good name better than choosing riches (Proverbs 22:1)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/good-name-better-riches.html)

-- "What does the Bible say about reputation?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-reputation.html)

MARCH 21
Proverbs 21:14

Proverbs 21:14: "A gift [that is given to an angry person] in secret [privately] pacifieth [pacifies, soothes, defuses] anger: and a reward in the bosom [which is another way of describing a gift or present that is given to an angry person] [pacifies] strong wrath [rage, fury]."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, "… gifts are effective ways of influencing people." In the above verse, the gift is being used in a good way (as a peace offering) rather than in a bad way (as a bribe).
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In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany explains the meaning of various words and gives examples of people in the Bible who used gifts as peace offerings. At the end of the commentary, he says about peace offerings:

"6. This is the sort of gift that [King] Solomon describes in Prov. 21:14.

"a. It is a gift that is given with the intention of INFLUENCING a person. Though it is not a gift given out of pure grace, it is also not a bribe.

"b. [The reason it is not a bribe is because] You are not trying to influence them [the people] to do something illegal or immoral.

"c. Rather, it is a gift designed to persuade or influence them [the people] (in a good sense) to be calm… and to put away their anger… to make up and be friends again.

"d. Solomon's point is that they [the gifts] WORK. They DO pacify anger and strong wrath.

"e. They [the gifts] worked for Jacob [when he stole his brother Esau's birthright] and Abigail [when King David was furious with Abigail's husband, Nabal]. They have worked in countless [many] other situations too.

"f. They [i.e., gifts] might work in your house too.
"• Sometimes a bouquet of roses or a box of chocolates can be used to appease [reduce] the anger of a wife [who is] upset with her husband… for something dumb, mean, or thoughtless that he did or said.
"• Diamonds work even better, but they are very expensive!
"• Sometimes a gift is a great way to say, 'I'm sorry. I should not have said what I said… or did what I did. Will you forgive me?'

"g. Even between friends, there might be a time when a small gift will go a long way in letting someone know that you want peace… sort of like a peace offering…

"7. Of course the gift is just an immediate stop gap… a temporary solution.

"a. Once the anger has been appeased… and emotions have settled down, then we should take advantage of the temporary cease fire to discuss the issue that cause the anger in the first place!

"b. Getting to the heart [root, source] of the problem is the real goal."
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If you want to read the rest of the pastor's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "21:14."

MARCH 20
Proverbs 20:20

Proverbs 20:20: "Whoso [whoever] curseth [curses, which, in this case (rather than 'swears at'), means belittles (puts down, treats as unimportant), disregards, insults, does not respect] his [or her] father or his [or her] mother, his [or her] lamp shall be put out [extinguished] in obscure [total, complete] darkness [meaning he (or she) will lose something important, such as his (or her) reputation, happiness, or life]."
This is a proverb about rebellious children, who will probably treat other people in authority (teachers, bosses, police officers, etc.) the way they treat their parents and, as a result, will suffer the consequences of their attitudes and actions throughout their lives.

According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church (in paragraph 3 of his commentary):

"e. This rebellious, self-willed young person cannot expect much good in life.

"f. His [the rebellious child's] life will ramble on [or 'go'] from bad to worse…

"g. Things will NOT go well for him. His life will be miserable.

"h. He should not expect much comfort, rest, or success in life.

"i. The days of his life are likely to be short but not sweet."
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In paragraph 5 at the end of the commentary, we learn that:

"b. The point of the proverb is to be a WARNING to young people NOT to follow that route [i.e., rebellion]!

"c. The message to young people is: HONOR your mother and father! [If you do,] Things will go well with you.

"d. If you DISHONOR them [your parents]… expect to have your lights put out… one way or another… sooner or later…"
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If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "20:20."

In Old Testament times, disobedience and rebellion were not tolerated. This is confirmed by James Burton Coffman in his commentary on Proverbs 20:20, in which he says:

"Cursing father or mother was a capital offense [serious crime] under the law of Moses (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Matthew 15:4); and there is an obvious reference to that in this proverb. In America today, a teen-ager may murder his parents, claim child-abuse as an excuse, and get off with ten years probation and a year of psychiatric counseling at the state's expense. When will we ever learn?"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/20-20.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

If you're interested in learning more about the subject of rebellion and its consequences, read "What does the Bible say about disobedient children?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/disobedient-children.html.

MARCH 18-19
Proverbs 18:22

Regarding marriage (between a man and a woman), King Solomon wrote:

Proverbs 18:22: "Whoso [whoever] findeth [finds] a wife [of his own, or 'a woman to marry'] findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour [obtains favor] of [from] the LORD [which means that the man gains acceptance, approval, and blessings from God]."
In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says:

"A wife is an expression of God's favor, grace, kindness, blessing, and goodness towards man…"
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According to Pastor Delany, the way to find a wife is to look for one.
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In his commentary on Proverbs 18:22, he lists the characteristics of a good wife (e.g., she is a helper and hard worker, she has good morals, she is honest, reliable, and trustworthy, and--preferably, for a born-again Christian man who is seeking a wife--she is saved and walking with the Lord). The commentary also gives biblical examples of two bad wives (Jezebel and King Herod's wife).
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In paragraph 3 at the bottom of the page, the commentary ends with this:

"h. So every time you are blessed by your wife…
"• Every time she does something that benefits you…
"• Every time she does good for you…
"• Every time her actions benefit [help] you or your family…
"• Every time she cooks a meal… cleans a room… washes clothes… takes care of the kids… etc…
"• Every time she tells you that you can't wear that tie with that shirt…
"• Every time she reminds you of a temper [that is] out of control…
"• Every time she rebukes [criticizes], corrects, OR edifies [instructs] and encourages…
"• Every time goodness in one form or another flows from her--
"• THANK her for it…
"• And thank God too… for HE is the ultimate source of that goodness.
"• A good wife is a good gift FROM GOD.
"• The goodness she [your wife] does is an expression of HER love and care for you.
"• It is also an expression of God's love and care as well."
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 If you want to read the commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "18:22."

The GotQuestions.org article that relates today's verse is entitled "Why does he who finds a wife obtain favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22)?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/he-who-finds-a-wife.html.

MARCH 17
Proverbs 17:28

Proverbs 17:28: "Even a fool, when he [or she] holdeth [holds] his [or her] peace [or remains silent], is counted [thought to be] wise: and he [or she] that shutteth [shuts] his [or her] lips [or 'keeps his (or her) mouth shut'] is esteemed [regarded as] a man [or woman or child--or person] of understanding."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church:

"If you don't know what you're talking about--then don't say anything! There's nothing wrong with being ignorant [uneducated, lacking in knowledge]. But there is something wrong with being FOOLISH--and saying foolish things. You're better off being quiet and letting others speak."
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Verse 28 is included in Pastor Delany's commentary on verse 27. If you want to read it, click on https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "17:27" Then scroll down almost to the bottom of the page (where you'll see number 28 in smaller type, followed by "Even a fool, …").

Regarding the second part of Proverbs 17:28 (regarding the man who 'shutteth his lips'), John Gill said:

"… a man that has so much command of himself [or 'self-control'] [so] as not to speak unadvisedly [thoughtlessly], through the heat of his own passions [emotions], and through the provocations of others [i.e., things done by people to get a reaction from someone], will pass for a man that understands himself, and knows how to behave well before others."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/17-28.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

MARCH 15-16
Proverbs 15:3

Proverbs 15:3: "The eyes of the LORD are in every place [on earth and throughout the universe], beholding [watching, observing] the evil and the good [referring to 'bad' and 'good' people and the bad and good things that they do]."
It's impossible to hide the truth from Almighty God, who is omnipresent (present in all places at all times) and omniscient (all-knowing). In addition to seeing and hearing the things that human beings normally see and hear, God is able to read the thoughts of everyone on earth, and he also knows everything that is being, and has been, said and done in secret.

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Here are some reminders from paragraph 8 (near the end of the commentary) for the times when we are tempted to sin:

"d. Knowing this truth about God [i.e., that he is omniscient] has a wholesome [good, beneficial] effect on our lives.
"• When you are thinking about cheating on a science test at school… or you are planning to not do your homework and think you can get away with it tonight… God knows.
"• When you think that I [or 'you'] can loaf at work today because the boss is away on a business trip… God sees.
"• When you think that you can give a sweet and syrupy answer… and harbor [retain a feeling of] bitterness in your heart at the same time… God sees our heart."
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If you want to read more of the commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "15:3."

Regarding Proverbs 15:3, Pastor Chuck Smith, wrote:

"… You say, 'Oh, I thought that God was too holy as to behold evil. Or to look upon evil.' God cannot look upon sin. That word look upon is an implication. To look upon it [sin] with favor or condoning [approving of] it, He cannot do that. But He surely sees it. He's not blind …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/15-3.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary." "Verse 3")

Also commenting on Proverbs 15:3, Matthew Henry said:

"… The wicked shall not go unpunished, nor [shall] the righteous [go] unrewarded, for God has his eye upon both [kinds of people] and knows their true character; this speaks [gives] as much comfort to saints [born-again Christians] as [it speaks] terror to sinners [or 'unsaved people']."

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/15.html "Verse 3")

MARCH 14
Proverbs 14:31

Proverbs 14:31: "He [or she] that oppresseth [oppresses] the poor [or 'the person who abuses his or her power or authority and mistreats poor people or takes advantage of them'] reproacheth [reproaches, insults, or brings shame or disgrace upon] his [or her] Maker [Creator, referring to Almighty God]: but he [or she] that honoureth [honors] him [God, who is that person's 'Maker'] hath [has] mercy [pity, compassion] on the poor [or 'on poor and needy people']."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church:

"… In this proverb, [King] Solomon shows the relationship between the way we treat people and our attitude towards God Himself … Solomon exposes the lie and the hypocrisy of the man who, on the one hand, claims to love God… and on the other hand, oppresses those made in God's image."
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Pastor  Delany has two good commentaries on this verse. One discusses the entire verse (both oppression and mercy). The other focuses on mercy and tells why we should show mercy to the poor, what benefits we can gain by showing mercy to poor people, and specific things that we can do to show mercy to them.
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If you want to read one or both of these commentaries, here are the links:

-- "Oppression or Mercy to the Poor"
    (Go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "14:31a")

-- "Mercy on the Poor Honors God"
     (Go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "14:31b")

(Please note: The above commentaries for Proverbs 14:31, along with some other Bible study verses in this chapter of Proverbs, are currently missing on the Salem Bible Church website, but hopefully, they will be added back soon. Sorry!)

Concerning poor people, James Burton Coffman, another Bible commentator, wrote:

"There are three classes of the poor:

"(1) those, who through lack of ability, have never been able to make a living,

"(2) those who were once affluent [rich], but have been brought down by affliction [trouble], and

"(3) those who, though not actually in want, are able through diligent and constant toil [i.e., hard work] to supply the barest necessities of life but do not know any of the luxuries of ease or wealth.

"'Oppression of any or all of these is an insult to God.

'To oppress class (1) is to increase the affliction of them whose condition is not their fault, any more than is the color of their skin;

'to oppress class (2) is to add to an affliction that God has permitted to fall upon them;

'and to oppress class (3) is to oppress those who make up the vast majority of God's kingdom.' …

"The oppression of any poor man is an insult to God."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/14-31.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

GotQuestions.org has an article that relates to today's verse. It's entitled "How does oppressing the poor show contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/oppress-poor-contempt-Maker.html.

MARCH 13
Proverbs 13:10

Proverbs 13:10: "Only by pride [in this case, in a negative sense, meaning arrogance and conceit] cometh [comes] contention [arguments, disagreements] [i.e., it's the main cause]: but with the well advised [person--one who listens to good advice] is wisdom."
As I mentioned previously, on the Salem Bible Church website, most (if not all) of the Bible studies on the book of Proverbs are outlines of sermons that Pastor Jim Delany delivered to his congregation throughout the years.
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Commenting on the above verse, the pastor says that pride causes contention almost everywhere we go (at home, school, work, church, etc.).
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In the first section of his commentary, on pride and contention, Pastor Delany says this:

"• Some folks [people] seem [to be] gravitated towards [drawn to, attracted to] strife [conflicts] and contention… always looking for a good fight.
"• [In this verse, King] Solomon warns us NOT to be hasty [quick] in getting involved in strife.
"• You could end up in a situation where you don't know what to do… how to get out of it… how to END the strife…"
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And then comes the following example:

"1. Imagine a dam with a little crack.

"2. Imagine taking your finger and poking that little crack… so that water begins a tiny trickle [dribble, drip] out

"3. Imagine that tiny crack expanding and expanding as the water washes away weak cement

"4. Imagine this going on for some time… until that tiny crack widens and the dam begins to break…

"5. There comes a point of no return… when the flow of water becomes uncontrollable.

"6. That is the illustration Solomon uses of contention. It begins like flowing water… easily controlled at first… but, if meddled [interfered] with, can quickly develop into that which is unable to be controlled."
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Later in the commentary, Pastor Delany compares a proud man to one who is well advised:

THE PROUD, ARROGANT MAN

"• Here is a man who thinks he knows it all…
"• He thinks his way is always right…
"• He thinks his opinions are always right… and everyone else's opinions are worthless…
"• He's the man who will not listen to anyone. He won't take advice. He is close-minded. There is no talking to him.
"• This kind of pride always results in contention."

THE MAN WHO IS WELL ADVISED

"• This man is one who takes advice; listens to counsel; consults with others…
"• He is not a proud arrogant know it all.
"• He is a humble man who knows he needs advice and counsel… and he takes it in… weighs it… and responds in a right way to it."
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The commentary ends with this:

"… a simple thing like washing one's hands can prevent deadly disease. A simple thing like humbling [your]self and listening to others can prevent deadly contentions… and bring real peace!"
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If you want to read the rest of the commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "13:10."

MARCH 12
Proverbs 12:4

Proverbs 12:4: "A virtuous [strong, hard-working, morally excellent] woman is [like] a crown to her husband [because she is valuable, provides support, and brings honor and joy to him]: but she [the woman] that maketh [who makes] [her husband] [feel] ashamed [frustrated, humiliated, disgraced--by her bad behavior (unfaithfulness, gossiping, laziness, nagging, etc.)] is as rottenness in [or 'is like cancer eating away at'] his [her husband's] bones."
Through their actions (good or bad), wives can build their husbands up or tear them down, and in the process, they (the wives) will help or hurt themselves as well.

Since a married couple is a unit or team, Salem Bible Church's commentary on the above verse includes specific examples of how the wife's behavior can affect her husband.
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Near the bottom of his commentary, under the heading "Conclusions," Pastor Delany has good advice for young men seeking a wife.
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If you want to read the pastor's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "12:4."

Here are two articles that relate to today's verse:

-- "How is a virtuous woman a crown to her husband (Proverbs 12:4)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/virtuous-woman-crown-her-husband.html)

-- "How is a shameful wife rottenness to her husband's bones (Proverbs 12:4)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/shameful-wife-rottenness-husband-bones.html)

MARCH 11
Proverbs 11:14

Proverbs 11:14: "Where no counsel [direction, guidance, advice--especially good spiritual advice] is [or exists], the people [individuals as well as kingdoms, nations, etc.] fall [into ruin and destruction, or are defeated]: but in the multitude [abundance, large number] of counsellors [advisers] there is safety."
We all need excellent advice before making important decisions.

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. It includes many examples of how wise counsel, or good advice, can help people succeed, plus reasons why people refuse to accept advice (mostly due to pride) and why getting advice from more than a few people at a time is a good idea.
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According to Pastor Jim Delany, who wrote the commentary referred to above, sometimes it's sufficient to get advice from only one person or two people. However, there are times when you need input from many more than that.
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Here is what Pastor Delany said, in the last half of the commentary, about having a multitude of counsellors:

"2. Multitude = abundance;

"a. It is possible to get TOO MANY opinions and cause more confusion.

"b. But get AMPLE [enough]… an abundance for the situation… plenty… don't skimp on advice.

"c. Get GOOD advice. Ask spiritually minded people for help and guidance… folks who know God [personally--referring to true born-again Christians] and who know His word [as contained in the Bible].

"d. When you get a multitude of spiritually minded people all pointing you in the same direction… all telling you the same thing… that is a good indication that the counsel is sound [reliable]!

"e. If you are debating whether to go into business with Fred and you ask two people, you might get two different answers… and cause confusion and cloud up the issue [or make it more complicated than necessary].

"f. But if you ask 25 people about going into business with Fred and 23 out of 25 tell you that Fred is lazy and dishonest, stay away--you would do well to listen to that multitude of counselors!

"g. Two opinions might confuse the issue. A multitude [of opinions] may clarify matters considerably [or make them easier to understand]."
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If you want to read the commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "11:14."

MARCH 10
Proverbs 10:19

Proverbs 10:19: "In the multitude [abundance, or large number] of words there wanteth [wants] not [or 'there is no lack of'] sin [in other words, people who talk too much will eventually say things that they regret]: but he [or she] that refraineth [refrains, keeps] his [or her] lips [from speaking, referring to the person who thinks before talking and is careful of what he (or she) says] is wise."
Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church says that, according to this verse, we need to "… control our speech… refrain it, restrain it, keep it in check… use caution…but not to stop it altogether."
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In the first part of Pastor Delany's commentary, we learn that examples of "sins which result from a multitude of words" include:

-- "OFFENSE" (the likelihood that we'll offend someone, accidentally or on purpose)

-- "SELF PRAISE" (praising ourselves, putting ourselves on a pedestal)

-- "CONTENTION" (hurting someone's feelings, offending others, making people angry)

-- "LIES" (telling outright lies, exaggerating or stretching the truth, embellishing [adding decorative details to] a story, etc.)
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In the second part of his commentary, Pastor Delany says:

"5. The wise man uses words carefully… cautiously… sparingly [in a restrained manner]…

"a. It is not that he is afraid to speak up.

"b. Rather, it is that he doesn't speak unless he has something to say… something worth saying…

"c. He speaks at the proper time… using the right words… sparing his words… he weighs his words before speaking them… they are well thought out… not just blurting out the first thing that pops into his undisciplined mind…"

"7. Psalm 39:1 -- [King] David determined NOT to sin with his mouth. We all should be so determined.

"a. But don't just pray about… DO something about it!

"b. You don't just pray for your daily bread [i.e., basic necessities]. You go to work too!

"c. Pray for the Lord's strength… AND be determined not to sin.

"d. And if we DO sin with our mouth, confess it [i.e., that sin] [to God]… and forsake it [stop doing it].

"e. This is a sin that we will have to deal with in our lives till [until] the Lord [Jesus Christ] comes [back]…

"8. And since it is such a part of human nature to sin with our tongues, be gracious with others! (Ecc. 7:21-22) Haven't you done the same? We all have, [the apostle] James says!"
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If you want to read more of Pastor Delany's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "10:19."

Regarding Proverbs 10:19, Matthew Henry said:

"… Usually, those [people] that speak much[,] speak much amiss [or 'say many wrong things'] …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/10.html, "Verse 19")

MARCH 8-9
Proverbs 8:10, 11, 12

Advice From "Lady Wisdom" (i.e., Wisdom Personified)

Proverbs 8:10-11 [Wisdom says]: "Receive my instruction [correction, discipline], and not silver; and [receive] knowledge rather than choice [the finest] gold. For [because] wisdom is better [more valuable] than rubies [jewels, precious stones … money, riches]; and all the things that may be desired [such as fame, power, position, etc.] are not to be compared to it."

Proverbs 8:12: "I wisdom [consisting of experience, knowledge, and good judgment] dwell [live, reside] with prudence [discretion, caution] [i.e., wisdom and prudence go together because we need prudence in order to put wisdom into practice], and [I (Wisdom) can] find out [discover, have] knowledge of witty inventions [clever plots] [of our enemies--to deceive, fool, or mislead us]."
Regarding today's verses, in a sermon that he preached to his congregation, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church said that if you're reading or holding a Bible, "You have a copy of God's wisdom in your hands! It is better than money, fame, power, position… and all other things [that] your heart might desire!" … and his Bible study (or commentary) that is based on that sermon goes on to explain why he said that.
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The commentary mentioned above ends with this:

"c. It is the fool who says that obeying God and walking the straight and narrow [path, referring to the honest and morally acceptable way of living] is boring. The fool will pay [the price] for his folly [foolishness, lack of good sense] eventually.

"d. The fool says, 'I won't be happy until I break away from God and do my own thing. God is too restrictive. I can't be happy if I follow Him!'

"e. In reality, real, lasting happiness comes from following the way of wisdom!

"f. Foolish ways and decisions will linger [stick around] to haunt you [or make you think or worry about them for a long time]. Wise, prudent decisions will bring delight and blessing the rest of your life."
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If you want to read more of the pastor's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "8:10-12."

You may be wondering, "Why is wisdom referred to as a she in Proverbs?" GotQuestions.org attempts to answer that question in an article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-she-Proverbs.html.

MARCH 7
Romans 10:12

On the subject of justification, or how sinners become righteous before (or acceptable to) God, the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 10:12: "For there is no difference between the Jew [Jewish person] and the Greek [gentile, or non-Jewish person] [in regard to sin]: for the same Lord [Jesus Christ,] [who is Lord] over all [people,] is rich [in mercy and grace] unto all that call upon him [in faith, through prayer, for salvation]."
In other words, salvation is offered to everyone (Jews and Gentiles alike).
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GotQuestions.org refers to today's verse in their article entitled "What does it mean that 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved' (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13)?"

In paragraph 5, it says:

"The apostle Paul cites [refers to] Joel [2:32] to back [up] his claim that the message of salvation in Jesus Christ is for all people: 'For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"' (Romans 10:12-13). Jews and Gentiles and people from every nation receive God's promise of salvation on the same basis--through faith in Jesus Christ. No one is excluded. Everyone has an opportunity to call on the name of the Lord and be delivered from sin, forgiven, and saved (Acts 10:43)."

If you want to read the rest of the article, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/whoever-calls-name-Lord-saved.html.

How does a person become born again?

To receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23), you must be saved (born again) according to the Bible.

Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he 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. Why not do it now?
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Note: Detailed instructions on the plan of salvation can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

MARCH 6
Proverbs 6:34, 35

Adultery and Jealous Husbands

Besides the fact that adultery is sin, these are reasons why people should not commit adultery:

Proverbs 6:34: "For jealousy is the rage of a man [meaning jealousy causes rage (violent anger) in a man whose wife commits adultery (has sex with another man)]: therefore he [the husband] will not spare [or withhold his hatred and anger from that man (the offender, or adulterer), or show pity, compassion, and mercy to him] in the day of vengeance [revenge]."

Proverbs 6:35: "He [the husband] will not regard any ransom [or 'will not accept money or anything else as payment'] [to forget what happened]; neither will he rest content [or 'be at peace'], though thou [you, or anyone else] givest [give] [him] many gifts [as a bribe]."
 In other words, according to Charles John Ellicott, a Bible commentator:

"… jealousy is furious, and cannot be appeased [pacified, soothed, calmed, made less angry] by bribes."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ebc/proverbs-6.html, "Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers," "Verse 34")

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. It is combined with other verses about adultery, including verses about the consequences of stealing a loaf of bread.
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In part, the commentary says:

"1. The consequences of adultery are far worse than of stealing bread… and longer lasting.

"2. The jealousy and rage of the man whose wife was stolen… he will not spare in his vengeance.

"a. He will not spare--he will stop short of nothing--even killing the adulterer! [Hopefully, most people would resist this urge!]

"3. There is nothing the adulterer can do to make it up to him [the husband] either.

"a. You can restore a stolen loaf of bread--even sevenfold [seven times as many].

"b. But you cannot restore this situation [or make it right]… though you try with a ransom and with large gifts.

"c. The man offended will never be able to look at the man who committed adultery against him without thinking of the adultery… even after many long years.

"4. Thus, [in these verses,] [King] Solomon teaches his son about long lasting consequences of the sin of adultery. His hope is that his son will listen and spare himself from guilt and shame."
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If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "6:30-35."

MARCH 5
Proverbs 5:21

Proverbs 5:21: "For the ways of man [mankind, human beings] are before the eyes of the LORD [i.e., everything that we think, say, and do, both publicly and privately, is seen by God], and he [God] pondereth [ponders, thinks about] all his [all of 'man's'] goings [or doings, which means that God carefully considers--and eventually will judge--all of our actions]."
In his commentary on Proverbs 5:21, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says we should be pay attention to what we're doing because God is always watching us.
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Pastor Delany's commentary for today's verse is combined with verses 18-20, on the subject of sexual immorality.
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If you want to read his commentary on Proverbs 18-21, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "5:18-21." Today's verse (Proverbs 5:21) is near the bottom of that commentary. There is a "21" in front of it.

Today's verse reminds me of a Chick cartoon tract entitled "This Was Your Life." It's about a man who dies and appears before God in heaven on judgment day, where his entire life is played back on a huge screen for everyone to see. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=1&ue=d.

MARCH 3-4
Proverbs 3:1, 2

In these verses, King Solomon was reminding his son to remember the wise counsel (good advice) that he had received in the past:

Proverbs 3:1-2: "My son, forget not my law [don't forget the things that I have taught you and the guidance that I have given to you throughout your life]; but let thine [your] heart keep [obey] my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee [you]."
What Solomon said to his son regarding their father-son relationship is also true for born-again Christians, who are considered to be "children of God" because we have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior (John 1:12-13). This means that if we want to have a long, happy, and peaceful life, we should try to memorize scripture (i.e., Bible verses) and obey God's word (as recorded in the Bible), especially the Ten Commandments (i.e., the moral law), which (for your convenience) are listed below:

I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

[1] Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

[2] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

[3] Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

[4] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, 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 rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

[5] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

[6] Thou shalt not kill.

[7] Thou shalt not commit adultery.

[8] Thou shalt not steal.

[9] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

[10] Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."

We should memorize Bible verses because:

-- Psalm 119:11 says: "Thy [your] word have I hid [hidden] in mine [my] heart, [so] that I might not sin against thee [you, God]."

The Bible is our best teacher because:

-- 2 Timothy 3:16 says: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on today's verses. If you want to read it, go to https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/ and scroll down to "3:1-2."

MARCH 1-2
Romans 10:13, 14, 15

The Importance of Preaching the Gospel

Romans 10:13: "For whosoever [whoever--Jew or Gentile (non-Jewish person)] shall call upon the name of the Lord [Jesus Christ] [in prayer, before death] [see note below*] shall be saved [from hell and the lake of fire--see note below**]."

Romans 10:14: "How then shall they [the people] call on him [Jesus Christ] in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him [Jesus] of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear [or learn] [about Jesus] without a preacher [someone who proclaims the gospel (shares it publicly, or openly), such as a pastor or minister, evangelist, missionary, born-again Christian, or publisher of Bible tracts, magazines, and/or books]?"

Romans 10:15: "And how shall they [the preachers] preach [the gospel, or message of salvation], except they be sent [by God]? as it is written [in the Bible, in Isaiah 52:7], How beautiful are the feet of them that [or 'how welcome are those who'] preach the gospel [bring the message] of peace [with God], and bring glad tidings [joyful news] of good things [to come]!"
After reading Romans 10:13, you may be wondering, "What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord?" GotQuestions.org has an excellent article that answers that question. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/call-upon-the-name-of-the-Lord.html.

Basically, this is how you "call upon the name of the Lord":

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose (came back to life) 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. Why not do it now?
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Note: Detailed instructions on the plan of salvation can be found in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

*In his commentary, Albert Barnes wrote:

"It is implied in this [verse--Romans 10:13], that we call upon him [Jesus] with right feelings; that is, with a humble sense of our sinfulness and our need of pardon [forgiveness], and with a willingness to receive eternal life as it is offered [to] us in the gospel. And if this be done, this passage [or, in this case, 'verse'] [in the Bible] teaches us that all [people] may be saved who will do it [i.e., call upon Jesus with 'right feelings']. He [Jesus] will cast none away [meaning he will not reject any people] who come [to him] in this manner. The invitation and the assurance extend to all nations and to people of all times [i.e., no matter when they were born or where they lived]."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-10.html, "Verse 13")

**In a vision from God, the apostle John was shown what will happen in heaven on judgment day. It's recorded as follows, in the last book of the Bible:

Revelation 20:12,13-14,15: "And I saw the dead, small and great [in other words, all people], stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works [or 'the things they have done']. And the sea gave up the dead [people] which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man [and woman and child] according to their works. And death and hell were cast [thrown] into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Here are some GotQuestions.org articles that relate to today's verses:

-- "What does it mean that 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved' (Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/whoever-calls-name-Lord-saved.html)

-- "What does 'how can they hear without a preacher' mean (Romans 10:14)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/hear-without-a-preacher.html)

-- "What does it mean to preach the gospel of peace in Romans 10:15?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/preach-the-gospel-of-peace.html)