Note from Linda:
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"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
Previous Month
April 2022
APRIL 30
Greedy People (and Greedy Things) Are Never Satisfied
Proverbs 30:15a: "The horseleach [i.e., the blood-sucking leech, representing greed] hath [has] two daughters, crying, Give, give [or 'Gimme, gimme']."
Note: According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above sentence is the first part of Proverbs 30:15 in the Bible, but it also could be an expansion of Proverbs 30:14, which refers to greedy men taking advantage of poor and needy people.
Proverbs 30:15b: "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea [yes], four things say not [do not say], It is enough:"
Proverbs 30:16: [Similar to greedy people, the things that are never satisfied that are referred to in verse 15 include:] The grave [that wants more and more dead people]; and the barren womb [that wants to get pregnant and have babies but is unable to do so]; the [parched] earth [or 'the thirsty, dry land'] that is not filled with [or needs more] water; and the [raging, out-of-control] fire that [won't stop burning, and] saith not, It is enough."
Farther down in the commentary, he says:
"3. The four examples Agur gives which 'never say enough.'
"a. Obviously, this is figurative language. Graves, wombs, fire, and water cannot actually speak.
"b. The point is that these things have one thing in common: they have insatiable desires and don't know how to be content.
"c. The greedy man is like that: he has an insatiable [impossible to satisfy] appetite for 'more' and never seems to have enough.
"4. The four insatiable things:
"a. The grave
"• This is a personification of a grave--as if a grave had desires.
"• One would think that the grave (sheol -- the place of the dead) would be satisfied.
"• How many people have died and been buried? Isn't that enough?
"• The grave is never satisfied with the countless millions of occupants. It can never say 'I have enough.'
"• The point: a desire is never satisfied by obtaining that which it desires.
"• True contentment isn't found in getting what we desire.
"b. The barren womb
"• The same truth is found in this example.
"• How many women were there in the Old Testament who were barren [incapable of producing offspring] and craved a child?
"• How many are there today?
"• The barren womb says, 'If only I could have just one child!'
"• And if they finally bear a child, they cannot say, 'It is enough.' Instead they say, 'It would be so nice to have just one more.'
"• The point is the same: a desire is never truly satisfied by obtaining that which it desires.
"c. The dry earth
"• Agur was not writing from Washington State's rain forest. He was writing from a very dry and arid region.
"• There the dry, parched sands craved for water. They baked in the hot sun and (figuratively speaking) lusted after rain.
"• And no matter how hard it rains, the parched earth soaks up all the rain--like a bloodsucker sucking up the blood.
"• And after the torrential [heavy] downpour, the earth soaks up all the rain, the sun comes out, and the earth is craving for more rain.
"• It can never say 'enough.'
"d. The fire
"• The fire that rages through a dry forest does the same.
"• It devours [destroys] all the trees in the forest--and when it gets to the highway, the trees on one side are not enough. It sends its sparks over the road and continues to devour dry trees and brush.
"• The fires out West are often the size of Rhode Island… and even then, it's not enough. The flames seem to want to devour more and more.
"5. Heaping one illustration upon another, Agur drives home his point:
"a. A desire is never satisfied by obtaining that which it desires.
"b. True contentment isn't found in getting what we desire.
"c. True contentment is only found in LEARNING to appreciate what we DO have and LEARNING to be content therein."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_15-16/.
Greedy People (and Greedy Things) Are Never Satisfied
Proverbs 30:15a: "The horseleach [i.e., the blood-sucking leech, representing greed] hath [has] two daughters, crying, Give, give [or 'Gimme, gimme']."
Note: According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above sentence is the first part of Proverbs 30:15 in the Bible, but it also could be an expansion of Proverbs 30:14, which refers to greedy men taking advantage of poor and needy people.
Proverbs 30:15b: "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea [yes], four things say not [do not say], It is enough:"
Proverbs 30:16: [Similar to greedy people, the things that are never satisfied that are referred to in verse 15 include:] The grave [that wants more and more dead people]; and the barren womb [that wants to get pregnant and have babies but is unable to do so]; the [parched] earth [or 'the thirsty, dry land'] that is not filled with [or needs more] water; and the [raging, out-of-control] fire that [won't stop burning, and] saith not, It is enough."
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In the opening part of his commentary on these verses, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church describes what leeches are and tells how and why greedy men can be compared to them.Farther down in the commentary, he says:
"3. The four examples Agur gives which 'never say enough.'
"a. Obviously, this is figurative language. Graves, wombs, fire, and water cannot actually speak.
"b. The point is that these things have one thing in common: they have insatiable desires and don't know how to be content.
"c. The greedy man is like that: he has an insatiable [impossible to satisfy] appetite for 'more' and never seems to have enough.
"4. The four insatiable things:
"a. The grave
"• This is a personification of a grave--as if a grave had desires.
"• One would think that the grave (sheol -- the place of the dead) would be satisfied.
"• How many people have died and been buried? Isn't that enough?
"• The grave is never satisfied with the countless millions of occupants. It can never say 'I have enough.'
"• The point: a desire is never satisfied by obtaining that which it desires.
"• True contentment isn't found in getting what we desire.
"b. The barren womb
"• The same truth is found in this example.
"• How many women were there in the Old Testament who were barren [incapable of producing offspring] and craved a child?
"• How many are there today?
"• The barren womb says, 'If only I could have just one child!'
"• And if they finally bear a child, they cannot say, 'It is enough.' Instead they say, 'It would be so nice to have just one more.'
"• The point is the same: a desire is never truly satisfied by obtaining that which it desires.
"c. The dry earth
"• Agur was not writing from Washington State's rain forest. He was writing from a very dry and arid region.
"• There the dry, parched sands craved for water. They baked in the hot sun and (figuratively speaking) lusted after rain.
"• And no matter how hard it rains, the parched earth soaks up all the rain--like a bloodsucker sucking up the blood.
"• And after the torrential [heavy] downpour, the earth soaks up all the rain, the sun comes out, and the earth is craving for more rain.
"• It can never say 'enough.'
"d. The fire
"• The fire that rages through a dry forest does the same.
"• It devours [destroys] all the trees in the forest--and when it gets to the highway, the trees on one side are not enough. It sends its sparks over the road and continues to devour dry trees and brush.
"• The fires out West are often the size of Rhode Island… and even then, it's not enough. The flames seem to want to devour more and more.
"5. Heaping one illustration upon another, Agur drives home his point:
"a. A desire is never satisfied by obtaining that which it desires.
"b. True contentment isn't found in getting what we desire.
"c. True contentment is only found in LEARNING to appreciate what we DO have and LEARNING to be content therein."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_15-16/.
APRIL 29
Proverbs 29:3: "Whoso [whoever] loveth [loves] wisdom [i.e., a wise son] rejoiceth his father [gives his father joy, or makes him happy]: but he that keepeth [keeps] company with harlots [prostitutes] [i.e., a foolish son] spendeth his substance [spends all of his money] [because he enjoys a lifestyle of loose living and immorality]."
At the end of the commentary, regarding the phrase spendeth his substance, the pastor says, "Immorality is very expensive--in many ways… the drugs, the booze, the hotels, the prostitutes, the gambling, potential blackmail, divorce, etc." and "There's a hefty [heavy] price to pay for loose living; it's not cheap."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_3/.
APRIL 28
Proverbs 28:4: "They that forsake [reject, have little or no respect for, refuse to obey] the law [of the land, including laws of God (found in the Bible) and laws of mankind (regulated by the government)] [i.e., law breakers] praise the wicked [people, who do illegal, immoral, and other bad things]: but such as [or those who] keep [obey and preserve] the law [i.e., law keepers] contend with them [the 'wicked'--by vigorously opposing their sinful actions and attempting to defend the principles of law and order]."
(Source for quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/28-4.html, "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible," "Verse 4")
Here are some excerpts from paragraph A1 in the section about praising the wicked:
"d. The Law outlined the moral code that the nation of Israel was to live by… and it included penalties for violation of those laws.
"e. The Law of Moses was given for the good of the people of Israel.
"• Prov. 28:3 just mentioned oppressing the poor. The Law of Moses had provisions to protect the poor.
"• It had provisions to assure that justice was conducted in their courts of law; 2 or 3 witnesses; no false witnesses.
"• It had provisions to protect women -- laws against rape, etc.
"• It had provisions to assure a stable family unit: honor your parents.
"• It had provisions to protect private property; laws against stealing.
"• It had provisions to protect human life -- thou shalt not kill.
"f. The law was made to protect good people from wicked people."
In paragraph B of the same section of the commentary, we read:
"3. Most sensible people would think it quite abhorrent [disgusting] to actually PRAISE wicked men [such as serial killers, terrorists, bank robbers, muggers, street thugs, rapists, child abusers, and leaders of drug cartels]."
"5. Yet Solomon says that those who oppose law and order are doing that very thing--whether they want to acknowledge [admit] it or not.
"a. They 'praise the wicked' either by calling their wicked deeds good or by justifying them.
"b. While the person who cheats on his taxes would never praise a bank robber, in a sense, he is siding with him."
Near the end of the commentary, in paragraphs 4 and 5, it says (regarding government) "… there will always be a battle between law keepers and law breakers… between law abiding citizens and criminals," and (regarding the church) "… those who honor God's Word [as recorded in the Bible] and seek to obey it will always be engaged in a spiritual battle with those who don't honor God's Word."
If you want to read more of this commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_4/.
APRIL 27
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is encouraging everyone to sincerely repent (change their minds about sin) and turn back to God:
Isaiah 55:7: "Let the wicked [person] forsake [renounce or give up] his [or her] [evil] way, and [let] the unrighteous man [or woman or child] [forsake] his [or her] [sinful] thoughts: and let him [or her, referring to the wicked or unrighteous person] return unto the LORD, and he [God] will have mercy [compassion] upon him [or her]; and [let that wicked or unrighteous person return] to our God, for [because] he [God] will abundantly pardon [forgive] [him or her] [for his or her sins]."
"(1) It is not fear. A man may be frightened, scared, and yet not repent. That has very often occurred at sea during a storm. When a storm sweeps over the ocean it brings about a great many strange things. You will find when talking to sea captains that a great many men become suddenly pious [religious], men who have been blaspheming [swearing, cursing] for years suddenly begin to pray, and you would think them very religious and repentant, but when the storm has passed over these men go on swearing again. That is only fear.
"(2) Then repentance is not feeling; a man may have much feeling, and yet not repent. That may sound strange, but it is clearly taught in Scripture. You go down to yonder prison, and you cannot find a man who is not sorry that he is there; but their trouble is simply because they have got caught, they feel very bad because they were unlucky; but let them out of prison and they will do the same over again. That is not repentance. A man may have a good deal of feeling, and weep [cry] bitterly for days, and yet not repent. So that it is not feeling or remorse [regret, guilt]. Judas [the man in the Bible who betrayed Jesus with a kiss] had that, plenty of it, so that he put an end to his existence [i.e., he killed himself]; and a man may be filled with remorse and not repent.
"The confession 'I have sinned' is made [in the Bible] by hardened [hard-hearted] Pharaoh (Exodus 9:27), double-minded Balaam (Numbers 22:34), remorseful Achan (Joshua 7:20), insincere King Saul (1 Samuel 15:24), despairing Judas (Matthew 27:4); but in none of these cases was there true repentance. …
"(3) Nor is it conviction. A man may be deeply convicted when he is going out of the house of God [or 'house of worship,' such as a church or temple]; he may know that his whole life is wrong, his conscience may lash him and smite him [or 'beat him'], and he may say, 'My whole life is dark and black.' He may be deeply convicted and yet not repent. Conviction is not repentance; making a few resolutions is not repentance; turning over a new leaf, as some men say they are going to do, that is not repentance; nor is it found in good feelings or good thoughts.
"A fit of sorrow is no great thing. Who has not had that? There are persons upon whom a penitential mood [a feeling of penitence] comes and comes and comes again; and nothing results from it. But this forsaking of the thoughts goes deep into the soul, and means a turning of the whole being towards God. It is quite true that the Bible does not lay stress on mere effervescence [bubbling up] of feeling, as if it were needful to pour out floods of tears, or utter cries of agony, or go mourning and grieving for any special number of hours or days, and with any special intensity. Yet it is not conceivable [believable, thinkable] that you should have a person convinced on the matter of his salvation, and changing his thoughts about God and sin, without strong feelings of abasement [humiliation] and shame. Take the type of a penitent, as Jesus gives it. See the publican [Jewish tax collector] standing afar off, not lifting so much as his eyes to heaven, smiting upon [striking, beating] his breast. There is nothing extravagant in that. …
"(4) What is it? Repentance is turning from. That is what repentance is. 'Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die, O house of Israel?' It is an afterthought, it is a change of mind. You ask how long a person is to feel sorry for his sins. Long enough to give them up--that is all. A man may have deep sorrow or he may not have much, but he has made up his mind that he is going to turn from his sins to God. …"
(Source: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/ebc/isaiah-55.php#.Ymlrqu3MJaR, "Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers: Isaiah 55," "Verse 7," "Repentance")
APRIL 26
Proverbs 26:1: "As snow [is an uncommon occurrence] in summer, and as rain [is not normal] in harvest [the season when crops are gathered from the fields], so honour is not seemly [fitting, appropriate] for a fool."
Near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"k. We seem to have a great knack at [tendency toward] giving honor, accolades [awards, words of praise], notoriety [fame], and recognition to the most undeserving people… many of whom are quite foolish. And at the same time, those who deserve honor and respect are ignored.
"l. That's not the way it should be. That is Solomon's point in this proverb. It is unseemly."
The commentary ends with this:
"13. The lesson is simple:
"a. Don't honor a fool.
"b. Don't put a fool in an honorable position.
"c. It is inappropriate--and there could be some disastrous consequences."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-26-index/proverbs-26_1/.
APRIL 25
Be Kind to Your Enemies
This especially applies to people who are suffering from hunger, thirst, injury, etc.
Proverbs 25:21: "If thine [your] enemy be hungry, give him [or her] bread [food] to eat; and if he [or she--the enemy] be thirsty, give him [or her] water to drink:"
Proverbs 25:22: "For [because, by giving your enemy 'bread to eat' and 'water to drink,'] thou shalt [you shall] heap [pile up] coals of fire [hot coals] upon his [or her--the enemy's] head [which can have more than one meaning--see note below*], and the LORD shall reward thee [bless you] [for your kindness to your enemy and your obedience to God]."
"a. It could be understood as the third expression of agape [sacrificial] love and kindness shown to an enemy.
"b. Some have also interpreted this to mean that the deed of kindness may melt his heart and win over the heart of the enemy and make him a friend!
"c. It could also be understood as an expression of divine vengeance on an enemy."
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In paragraph 3 of the commentary, Pastor Delany goes on to explain why heaping coals of fire upon someone's head could be considered "an expression of love and kindness":
"a. In the days before electric stoves, lights, and heaters, fires were used to heat a home and cook the food.
"b. Often the fires were kept going by preserving the hot coals.
"c. If a fire went out, it was considered a neighborly thing to give your neighbor some of your hot embers.
"d. Those hot embers would be put in a metal dish and carried on the head as most things were.
"e. Many believe that 'heaping coals of fire on your enemy's head' was the third expression of kindness--like giving him food and water… and hot coals to cook the food on or heat his home."
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In the last section of the commentary, on rewards, the pastor explains a different meaning:
"B. Coals Upon the Head: As Divine Vengeance
"1. While it is possible that the coals of fire heaped upon the head of an enemy COULD refer to an act of kindness (as mentioned earlier), it is also possible that it refers to an act of divine [God's] wrath [anger] and vengeance [revenge] upon this enemy.
"2. If this is the case, then the proverb is to be understood in this sense:
"a. Our responsibility is to give food and drink to a cruel and heartless enemy as an act of love.
"• We are not to take vengeance into our own hands, but to leave that to the Lord.
"• Prov. 24:29 -- We are not to 'pay back' those who have harmed us. We are to leave it to the Lord.
"b. God's responsibility will be twofold:
"• God will judge the enemy in His time and way. God will add heaps of burning coals to his head--perhaps a reference to more severe judgment in the Lake of Fire.
"» Rom. 12:19-21 -- Paul [the apostle] quotes this proverb and seems to link the heaping of coals to divine vengeance.
"» By showing an enemy deeds of kindness, you are actually increasing his judgment and adding coals of judgment to his head, for he is now sinning against greater light… sinning against expressions of God's love through you!
"• And God will reward you for not taking vengeance into your own hands, but choosing to obey God and showing kindness even to an enemy!
"c. God will do all the 'paying back' for deeds done--both good deeds (He rewards you) and evil deeds (He judges the enemy).
"• Thus, when we obey God and show kindness to our enemy, we can do so knowing that the enemy isn't getting away with anything. Justice will prevail [win] eventually.
"• It is not our job to do the judging. Our job is to do good to all men and leave the judgment and vengeance to the Lord.
"• Of course we should not do good to others HOPING that our deeds will cause them more pain and suffering in the afterlife [in this case, hell and/or the lake of fire]. A vengeful spirit displeases the Lord.
"• We receive no reward for deeds done with the wrong attitude or evil motive."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-25-index/proverbs-25_21-22/.
APRIL 24
God appeared to King Solomon in a dream or vision and said:
2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name [referring, in this verse, to the Jewish people specifically, but also to born-again Christians], shall humble themselves, and pray [to me (God) for removal of their nation's judgment, or punishment], and [if they will] seek my face [for mercy and forgiveness], and turn from their wicked ways [i.e., stop doing bad (sinful, ungodly, immoral) things]; then will I [God] hear [their prayers] from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
"This promise of God is an answer to Solomon's prayer. As Solomon foresaw the calamities [disasters, including drought, locusts, and pestilence (fatal epidemic diseases)] that might befall [fall upon] the nation [of Israel] in their sinning against God, and if they turn and repent and pray, then hear Thou from Thy dwelling place in heaven. God is now answering the prayer of Solomon saying, 'If these things come, and if my people who are called by my name will just humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.'
"I believe that this scripture today is perhaps one of the most important scriptures to be brought before the people of our nation. The people who have been called by His name. United States has been considered as a Christian nation. I didn't say it was a Christian nation. I said it's been considered as a Christian nation. But how far we have moved from true Christianity. How far we have moved from God in our national life, in our local life. And we see the plague that Solomon could foresee. The judgments of God. It is time for God's people to humble themselves and pray and to seek His face and to turn from their wicked ways, because God will hear. God will forgive. And God will heal the land. That's His promise."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-chronicles/7-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 22-23
Proverbs 22:9: "He [or she] that hath [has] a bountiful eye [i.e., a generous person--someone who is always watching out for the well being of others] shall be blessed [by God and people]; for he [or she--the person with the 'bountiful eye'] giveth [gives] of his [or her] bread to [or shares his (or her) food and other necessities of life with] the poor [people]."
The commentary ends with this:
"We are to consider the poor and share our bread with them… NOT so that God will make us rich and successful in this life… but rather so that we might manifest [show, demonstrate] the life and love of Christ unto the glory of God. Those are two very different motivations."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-22-index/proverbs-22_9/.
APRIL 21
Proverbs 21:23: "Whoso [whoever] keepeth [guards] his [or her] mouth and his [or her] tongue [or keeps them under control, meaning the person is careful of or watches what he (or she) says] keepeth [keeps] his [or her] soul from troubles [or stays out of trouble]."
"i. You might think of guarding our mouths like a guard at the entrance to the White House. His job is to carefully watch and monitor who comes and who goes. No one goes through that gate without proper identification as one who has been approved for entrance. He is to be on constant alert that some who seeks to enter that gate have evil intentions.
"j. So too with our words. We are to keep or guard our mouths for every word we say. No word is to travel through the mouth gate unless it has been approved… and its intentions are good."
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"4. Keeping the soul from trouble.
"a. The one who guards his mouth will protect his soul from all kinds of distress… calamity… unfavorable circumstances… and from emotional pain, distress.
"b. The one who guards his mouth will protect his soul from enemies of the soul… from worry, fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, bitterness, and all kinds of other internal emotional forms of distress and painful memories.
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"5. Troubles we can avoid.
"a. Prov. 10:19 -- In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.
"• Jas. 3:5 -- And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
"• We can sin with our mouths. (Lie; gossip; slander; mislead; brag; boast; curse; deceive; etc.)
"• Solomon notes in this verse that the more we talk (multitude of words) the better our chances of sinning.
"• Solomon also tells us that it is wise to refrain our lips, tongues, and mouths (if we talk less, we will sin less.)
"• By speaking too much we can turn people off and lose friends.
"• By multiplying our words, we multiply our chances of offending someone… hurting someone's feelings… misleading… or gossiping. (Sin!)
"• This often backfires on us and leads to all kinds of self inflicted trouble.
"b. Prov. 12:13 -- 'The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.'
"• Transgressing lips are a snare… something that traps you…
"• Solomon is saying that when we sin with our lips, we get CAUGHT in a trap of our own making!
"• If we sin with our lips, sooner or later, those words will come back to haunt us…
"• If we are careless with our tongues, and speak without thinking… we are setting TRAPS that will BITE us… and cause trouble for us--eventually.
"• Those who lie discover that their words will come back to bite them.
"• Those who gossip and slander discover the same thing.
"• Eventually our sin will find us out… and it will cause much trouble (embarrassment; to loss of friends; loss of a job; or worse!)
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"• The one who does not guard his lips will be continually offending, insulting, hurting feelings, and getting people mad at him.
"• Words really do stir up anger.
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"• A fool's lips enter into contention.
"• In other words, whenever he opens his mouth, he starts an argument or contention. His words PROVOKE arguments and fighting.
"• His big mouth is constantly getting him into trouble.
"• Note also that STROKES await him. He deserves a whipping.
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"6. All of these troubles will have a debilitating [weakening] effect on the believer [saved person, Christian].
"a. It will not leave us in any frame of mind to serve the Lord.
"b. It will leave us frazzled [exhausted] and torn.
"c. It leaves a storm of controversy and contention wherever we go.
"d. It is sin and ruins our relationship with both God and man.
"e. It leaves us with an uneasy, troubled, distressed heart… full of guilt and shame… embarrassment… a loss of friends… and a miserable life.
"f. In other words--a life of TROUBLE.
"7. All of this trouble can be AVOIDED by simply watching our mouth… keeping our big mouth shut!"
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_23/.
APRIL 20
Proverbs 20:4: "The sluggard [the habitually inactive or lazy person] will not plow by reason of the cold [weather, even though, in some parts of the world, the cold, rainy season is when the fields must be plowed so that the seeds can be planted and the crops will have time to grow into a bountiful (abundant, plentiful) harvest]; therefore shall he [or she--the sluggard] beg [for food] in harvest, and have nothing [to eat]."
"c. It is WRONG for a man who is able to work and chooses NOT to work, to expect others to provide food for him.
"d. II Thess. 3:10 -- if a man WILL not work, neither should he eat.
"• The emphasis here is on WILL not.
"• Men who are willing to work but for some reason beyond their control they are unable to do so should not go hungry.
"• That's where Christian charity comes in.
"• If we can we should FEED that man. Don't send that man away hungry.
"e. But it is not right to feed the sluggard. That will only encourage his laziness. It is rewarding bad behavior.
"f. That [i.e., feeding the sluggards] only exacerbates the problem [or makes it worse] and it sets a terrible example. Other sluggards will observe [watch, notice] and discover that if they are lazy, they too will be rewarded with handouts. Why plow?
"g. It IS right to let them [these lazy people] go hungry. That is God's method of curing the sluggard: hunger! Pain… maybe homelessness… cold…
"h. Those who give to the sluggards of the world THINK that they are showing compassion to them.
"i. In fact, they [the people who give to the sluggards of the world] are part of the problem. Those handouts are BREEDING [generating] more sluggards and perpetuating the problem [or making it continue indefinitely].
"j. As cold [cold-hearted] as it might seem at first, it is best to let them [the sluggards] go without [food, etc.]… let them go hungry."
To read the rest of the commentary, click here: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_4/.
APRIL 19
Jesus Christ is Our High Priest
Hebrews 4:14: "Seeing then that we [born-again Christians] have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, [i.e.,] Jesus the Son of God [who, after his resurrection (or after he rose from the dead), went back to heaven], let us hold fast [to, or remain strong in,] our profession [of faith in Jesus as Savior, trusting that he has fully paid for our sins with his blood and that he will save us from hell]."
Hebrews 4:15: "For we have not [we do not have] an high priest which [or 'who,'] [like Aaron and other high priests in Old Testament times,] cannot be touched with [affected by] the feeling of our infirmities [physical and mental weaknesses]; but [our high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ] was in all points [things] tempted like as we are [tempted], yet without [committing] sin [in thoughts, words, and deeds]."
Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace [i.e., God's throne in heaven] [through prayer], [so] that we may obtain mercy [kindness, compassion, forgiveness of sin], and find grace [unmerited (undeserved) favor, willingness] to help [us] in time of need."
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-High-Priest.html)
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-mediator.html)
APRIL 16-18
The Resurrection of Jesus
John 20:1: "[On] The first day of the week [Sunday] cometh [came] Mary Magdalene early [before dawn], when it was yet [still] dark, unto the sepulchre [tomb], and seeth [saw that] the stone [or very large rock] [had been] taken away from the [entrance to the] sepulchre."
John 20:2: "Then she [Mary] runneth [ran], and cometh [came] to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple [John], whom Jesus loved, and saith [said] unto them, They [referring either to Jesus' enemies (who may have stolen and hidden his body) or friends (who may have moved his body to another tomb)] have taken away the Lord [Jesus] out of the sepulchre, and we [meaning Mary and the women who had gone to the tomb with her] know not [do not know] where they [Jesus' enemies or friends] have laid him."
John 20:3-5: "Peter therefore went forth, and [or 'with'] that other disciple [John], and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple [John] did outrun [run faster than] Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he [John] stooping down, and looking in [or 'into the tomb"], saw the linen [grave] clothes [i.e., strips of linen cloth that were wrapped around dead bodies] lying [there]; yet went he not in [he didn't go inside]."
John 20:6-7: "Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth [saw] the linen clothes lie [lying there], And the napkin [cloth], that was about [or had been covering] his [Jesus'] head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together [folded] in a place by itself."
John 20:8-9 "Then went in also that other disciple [John], which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw [the same things that Peter saw], and believed [that Jesus was alive]. For as yet they knew not [did not know] the scripture [or Bible verse, probably Psalm 16:10, stating], that he [Jesus] must rise again from the dead."
John 20:10: "Then the disciples [Peter and John] went away again unto their own home."
John 20:11-12,13: "But Mary [Magdalene] stood without [outside] at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth [saw] two angels in white [robes] sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain [been lying]. And they [the angels] say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou [why do you weep]? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not [I do not know] where they have laid him."
John 20:14,15: "And when she [Mary] had thus said [had said that], she turned herself back [around], and saw Jesus standing [there], and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou [why are you crying]? whom seekest thou [whom do you seek]? She [Mary], supposing him [Jesus] to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence [or 'if you have carried him away'], tell me where thou hast [you have] laid him, and I will take him away."
John 20:16,17 "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself [toward Jesus], and saith unto him, Rabboni [a title of honor]; which is to say, Master [or, literally, 'my great Master']. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not [don't touch me--see note below*]; for I am not yet ascended to my Father [in heaven]: but go to my brethren [in this case, referring to his disciples], and say unto them, I [Jesus] ascend [go up] unto my [heavenly] Father, and your [heavenly] Father; and to my God, and your God."
John 20:18: "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord [Jesus], and that he had spoken these things unto her."
"… Three views are held:
"(1) That Jesus speaks to Mary as the High Priest fulfilling the day of atonement (Leviticus 16). Having accomplished the sacrifice [for sin], He was on His way to present the sacred blood in heaven, and that, between the meeting with Mary in the garden and the meeting of Matthew 28:9 [when the women came and held him by the feet]. He had so ascended [to heaven] and returned [to earth]: a view [that is] in harmony [agreement] with types.
"(2) That Mary Magdalene, knowing as yet only Christ after the flesh [i.e., as a human being] … and having found her Beloved, sought only to hold Him so; while He [Jesus], about to assume a new relation to His disciples in ascension, gently teaches Mary that now she must not seek to hold Him to the earth, but rather become His messenger of the new joy.
"(3) That He merely meant: 'Do not detain me now; I am not yet ascended; you will see me again; run rather to my brethren,' etc. …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/20-17.html, "Scofield's Reference Notes")
"The LITERAL Blood of Jesus Had to be Applied to the Mercy Seat in Heaven
"Now here is some sound Biblical doctrine! The great Bible teacher, M.R. DeHaan, M.D. …, has it 100% correct when he states concerning the blood of Jesus...
"The blood was to be sprinkled, remember, on the mercy seat right after the death of the substitutionary animal of sacrifice, Now [Jesus] Christ is, of course, our substitute. He was slain [killed] for us upon the Cross, and entered into death for us, and when He arose [from the grave], He immediately went to heaven, entered into the holy of holies in heaven, sprinkled His precious blood upon the mercy seat before the throne of God, and forever settled the sin questions, and delivered us from the curse of the law. This is clearly taught in the New testament. Hebrews 9:12 is very definite on this:
"'But by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.'
"The Bible also makes plain when He accomplished this. On the morning of the resurrection He [Jesus] meets Mary [Magdalene] at the tomb. As soon as Mary recognized Him, she prostrated herself upon Him [or 'she lay face down on the ground before him'], and would have kissed His feet, but with shocking suddenness, Jesus emphatically says to her: 'Touch me not'; and then He proceeds immediately to give the reason why Mary is not permitted to touch Him at all.
"'For I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.' (John 20:17)
"Literally the Lord Jesus Christ said, 'Touch me not; for I now am about to ascend unto my Father.' We can understand this action when we remember the [that] the high priest after he had offered the [animal] sacrifice, was to enter the holy of holies, before he did anything else, with the precious blood. No one was allowed to approach him. Everyone was shut out until this was completely done. And here in the record of the meeting with Mary we have the fulfillment of this type. Here Mary meets her great High Priest [i.e., Jesus], just arisen from the tomb, but before He had entered the holy of holies [in heaven] with the reconciling blood. And so He says to her, 'TOUCH ME NOT.'
"SOURCE: The TABERNACLE, by M.R. DeHaan, M.D., ISBN 0-310-23491-3, page 129."
APRIL 15
Proverbs 15:9: "The way [of life, or the lifestyles] of the wicked [people--those who are sinful, disobedient, rebellious, immoral, etc.] is an abomination [a disgusting thing] unto the LORD: but he [God] loveth [loves] him [or her] that followeth [follows] after righteousness [or 'who obeys the Bible']".
Here is an excerpt from paragraph B2 of the commentary regarding the first part of today's verse:
"c. The wicked cannot take their anger out on God directly, so it vents its wrath [expresses its anger] against godly men and women [i.e., Christians].
"d. This is the world's way of saying to God, 'the feeling of abomination is mutual!'
"e. This is one of the reasons for such hostility and deep division in our nation today.
"» The deep division and hostility [unfriendliness] is not so much over tax cuts, building highways or schools, or passing this bill or that.
"» The real division is over the MORAL issues of our day: abortion; gay marriage; fornication [sexual intercourse between people not married to each other]; euthanasia [mercy killing, assisted suicide]; divorce and the breakdown of the traditional Christian family; etc."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-15-index/proverbs-15_9/.
APRIL 14
Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way [of life] which seemeth [seems] right unto a man [or woman or child], but the end thereof [or 'of that way'] are the ways of death."
The pastor's excellent commentary on this verse gives examples of things that seem right to mankind and result in death. They include the following:
"• Abortion …
"• Homosexuality …
"• Abolishing the death penalty …
"• Persecuting Christians …
"• Suicide bombers …"
Other things may seem right to us because our concept of right and wrong is twisted. For example:
"g. Vice sometimes is passed off as virtue.
"• Covetousness is passed off as being a 'good steward'
"• Laziness is passed off as 'resting in the Lord'
"• Cowardice be disguised as 'meekness'
"• Pride is often cloaked in 'false humility'"
In paragraph 3, the commentary lists (and discusses) some of the reasons why people may choose to go the wrong way or do the wrong thing. They include the following:
"a. Sometimes it is because this way is easier… and convenient…
"• Why take the harder route? The easy route often SEEMS right…
"• Why read that whole book when I can do my report on the Cliff notes. After all, I'm not going to be an English major!
"b. Sometimes, it is because this is the way everyone else is taking.
"• If that many people are taking it, it MUST be right!
"• If everyone in the office is doing it… or if all the kids in my class are doing it… it must not be so bad!
"c. Sometimes this way seems right because of pride.
"• We THINK we know more than the people who warned us against it.
"• 'I know I've been told that doing it this way is wrong, but who are they to tell me? Who do they think they are?'
"d. Sometimes such a route might seem right because the dangers are not visible or obvious to the inexperienced.
"• That's why Proverbs was written--to give wisdom to the inexperienced!
"• Young people often do not see the danger… and can't understand WHY something is wrong.
"• They think those giving warnings are exaggerating… going overboard… worry warts… etc.
"• So to them, it's ok.
"e. Sometimes it's because we have an it won't happen to me attitude. This too is pride.
"• They see others walking down that route and nothing happened to them… (Cf. Ecc. 8:11-13)
"f. Sometimes it is because sin is a deceiver.
"• Sin blinds men to the truth.
"• Sin is presented in a veneer of fun, but under that mask is the way of death!
"• Alcohol; drugs; illicit sex; tobacco; fast cars; --all are advertised with a cool cover…
"• Ps. 30:6 -- when things SEEM to be going well… a person may SEEM to be safe… but all is illusion.
"g. Sometimes it is because of worldly thinking.
"• We might begin to think that 'my parents' and 'my church' are so old fashioned.
"• Times have changed. This way isn't wrong any more.
"h. Sometimes it is because we are so touchy feely in our thinking.
"• 'If it feels so good, how could it be wrong?'
"• I [probably referring to Pastor Delany] have had believers tell me this--living in sin, yet saying, 'God understands… we love each other.'"
The commentary concludes with the reasons why even unsaved folks may be fooled:
"a. They have assumed that because they are religious that all is right before God. They will discover that their religion may well be leading them to hell!
"b. They may have convinced themselves they are saved (because they go to church; because their parents are saved; because they said a prayer one day [probably referring to what is known as the 'sinner's prayer'; in other words, they may have asked Jesus to come into their hearts and save them but did not really mean what they said]; etc.)… but they may discover one day in Hell… that they were kidding themselves in thinking they were saved…
"c. It SEEMED right… but it was all appearance and show… no reality. It leads to death… eternal condemnation!"
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-14-index/proverbs-14_12/.
"So what is the way that seems right to man but ends in death? Is it narrow and is it straight? Or is it broad? Jesus said, 'Strive to enter in at the straight gate. Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it. But broad is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, many there are that go in thereat' ( Matthew 7:13-14 ).
"'There is a way that seems right unto man.' You hear people today say, 'Well, all roads lead to God.' Not according to Jesus Christ. He said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by Me' ( John 14:6 ). All roads may lead to God, but which god? You see, there's only one path that leads to the Father. There's only one way to the Father--that's through Jesus Christ. So, 'There is way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.'
"If you are walking in any other way other than Jesus Christ, you're walking in a path that's going to ultimate [ultimately end] in death. Separation from God. There's only one way, Jesus Christ."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/14-12.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 13
Jesus said to his disciples:
John 16:24: "Hitherto [until now] have ye [you have] asked [for] nothing in my name: ask [God the Father for something in my (Jesus') name], and ye shall receive [an answer to your prayer], [so] that your joy may be full [complete]."
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-mediator.html)
-- "What does it mean that there is one mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/one-mediator-between-God-and-man.html)
"God's promise of answering prayer, however, is not a blank check, the qualification laid down here being only one of a number of Scriptural limitations on it. Others are: prayers must be offered in faith (Mark 11:24), in the name of Jesus (John 14:14), and by one abiding in [remaining connected to] Christ (John 15:7). Furthermore, only those who have forgiven (Mark 11:15); and only those whose prayers flow out of an obedient life (1 John 3:22), and who will not use their blessings for the gratification [satisfaction] of their lusts and passions (James 4:3), may properly claim in confidence the answer of their prayers."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-john/5-14.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")
APRIL 11-12
In a letter to the churches of Galatia, the apostle Paul wrote:
Galatians 2:16: "Knowing that a man [or woman or child] is not justified [considered righteous, or acceptable in God's sight] by the works of the law [by obeying the law of Moses--see note below*], but by the faith of Jesus Christ [i.e., by accepting Jesus' death on the cross as full payment for our sins], even we [Jewish Christians, to whom Paul's letter was addressed, and all other Christians throughout the world] have believed [placed our trust] in [the Lord] Jesus Christ [as Savior], [so] that we might be justified [born again, or saved] by the faith of [in] Christ, and not by the works of the law [referring to good works, or good deeds]: for by the works of the law shall no flesh [no person, Jew or Gentile] be justified."
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.
APRIL 10
In a letter to the church of the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul (with Silas and Timothy) wrote:
1 Thessalonians 2:18: "Wherefore we would have come unto you [sooner], even I Paul, [would have visited you] once and again [several times]; but Satan hindered us [prevented or stopped us from doing so]."
APRIL 9
This was a warning for Christians from the apostle Peter:
1 Peter 4:17: "For the time is come that judgment [calamities, trials and testing, persecution, correction] must begin at the house [household, family] of God [referring to the church, or the people of God (i.e., born-again Christians)]: and if it [judgment] first begin at [with] us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God [or 'what worse punishment and suffering will unsaved people (unbelievers) experience in heaven on judgment day']?"
"… the judgments which God brings upon his own people make it certain that the wicked will be punished. If he does not spare his own people, why should he spare others? … The punishment of the wicked is merely delayed …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-peter-4.html, "Verse 17")
APRIL 8
The Importance of Wisdom
Wisdom (God's wisdom personified, or speaking like a person) says:
Proverbs 8:35-36: "For whoso findeth me [whoever finds me (wisdom)] [i.e., whoever searches for wisdom, finds it, and does what it says] findeth life [a good, long, happy life … one that is worth living], and shall obtain favour of [blessings from] the LORD. But he [or she] that sinneth [sins] against me [wisdom---by refusing to follow my lead or take my advice] wrongeth [wrongs] his [or her] own soul: all they that hate me [wisdom] love death."
"a. … the life that listens with the ears and the heart to Lady Wisdom is the life that will be blessed by God.
"b. If we refuse to follow the way of God's wisdom… we are refusing His [God's] blessing in our life!
"c. This is all our choice."
"h. We act on our feelings way too often. We are by nature impatient.
"• Sometimes we decide and then pray.
"• On other occasions, we pray and then decide… which can be just as bad!
"• What God wants us to do is to pray… and wait for an answer! Don't pray… and then go ahead and do what we have already decided to do!
"• That is the way of the flesh… acting on feelings and impulses.
"• God is able to guide us… incline our mind and heart… to use His Word [as recorded in the Bible]… to work IN us both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure.
"• The one who truly FINDS wisdom is the one who waits at the posts of Lady Wisdom's doorposts… waiting to KNOW what is the right way to go… the right thing to do… the right and wise decision to make.
"• Ex. 29:42 -- the priests waited at the door of the tabernacle to hear the word of the Lord!
"• THEN we need to act and obey--even if the way seems tough… even if the way of wisdom involves suffering… crosses to bear…"
Included in the pastor's commentary are examples of ways that people "wrong their own souls" (or hurt themselves--through alcoholism, sexual immorality, gambling, bad parenting, gossip, laziness, etc.) by rejecting and disobeying God's counsel and by choosing, instead, to do bad things.
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-8-index/proverbs-8_35-36/.
APRIL 6-7
Troublemakers
Proverbs 6:12-13: "A naughty [worthless, good-for-nothing] person, a wicked man [or woman or child; i.e., a troublemaker], walketh [walks around] with a froward [crooked, lying] mouth [meaning he (or she) habitually distorts the truth]. He [or she] winketh [winks] with his [or her] eyes, he [or she] speaketh [speaks] with his [or her] feet, he [or she] teacheth [teaches] with his [or her] fingers [i.e., by using hand gestures];"
Proverbs 6:14: "Frowardness [or 'perversity'--see note below for definition*] is in his [or her] heart [mind], he [or she] deviseth [devises] mischief [or 'plots schemes'] continually; he [or she] soweth [sows] discord [by causing disagreements and division and stirring up trouble]."
Proverbs 6:15: "Therefore shall his [or her--the troublemaker's] calamity [misfortune, misery] come suddenly; suddenly shall he [or she] be broken without remedy [relief or cure]."
"… This is the portrait [picture] of the man who is not to be trusted, whose look and gestures warn against him all who can observe [see]. His speech is tortuous [unpleasant, painful] and crafty [clever, especially in a dishonest way]; his wink tells the accomplice [the troublemaker's assistant] that the victim is already snared [caught, trapped]; his [the troublemaker's] gestures with foot and hand are half in deceit [deception], and half in mockery [ridicule]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/proverbs-6.html, "Verse 12")
"The person in view in Proverbs 6:12-15 is one who, for the amusement it gives him or her, causes other people to experience inconvenience or suffering. A simple joke is different from joking at someone else's expense, joking that hurts someone else. The latter [second] practice [i.e., joking at someone else's expense] is what Solomon urged his son to avoid …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/6-12.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
APRIL 5
Proverbs 5:21: "For the ways of man [mankind] 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]."
APRIL 4
Stay Away From Bad People
In these verses, King Solomon was teaching his son (and us) some of the do's and don'ts of life:
Proverbs 4:14-15: "Enter not into [don't enter] the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men [and women and children] [i.e., don't do what they do]. Avoid it [the 'path of the wicked'], pass not by it, turn [aside] from it, and pass away [from it]."
Proverbs 4:16: [Why we should stay away from bad, or evil, people:] "For they [the evil people] sleep not [cannot sleep], except [unless] they have done mischief [caused harm to others]; and their sleep is taken away [from them, meaning they can't sleep], unless they cause some [people] to fall [into sin]."
Proverbs 4:17: [Evil people 'do mischief' and 'cause some to fall':] "For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence." [And according to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, 'A steady diet of violence, immorality, perversion, and vice {wrongdoing} creates an appetite for even more…'--see note below (*) for a link to the pastor's commentary.]
APRIL 2-3
Romans 13:10: "Love worketh no ill [works no ill, does nothing bad] to his [or her] neighbour [i.e., a person with genuine love in his (or her) heart does not harm others but treats them kindly and tries to do good things for them]: therefore love [of both God and 'man' (mankind, human beings)] is the fulfilling [meets the requirements] of the law [of Moses--see note below*]."
Matthew 22:36: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"
Matthew 22:37-38: "Jesus said unto him, 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."
Matthew 22:39: "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Matthew 22:40: "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
In other words, those two commandments about loving both God and people cover everything that is contained in the Ten Commandments that were originally given to Moses by God.
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said that he did not come to "destroy the law [of Moses] … but to fulfil" it, and by answering the above question as he did, he implied that everyone, not just Jewish people, should obey the Ten Commandments (i.e., the moral part of the law of Moses). For your convenience, these commandments are listed below:
[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."
"Love worketh no ill ... - Love would seek to do him good; of course it would prevent all dishonesty and crime toward others. It would prompt to justice, truth, and benevolence [kindness]. If this law were engraved on every man's heart, and practiced in his life, what a change would it immediately produce in society! If all people would at once 'abandon' what is suited to 'work ill' to others, what an influence would it have on the business and commercial affairs of people. How many plans of fraud [deceit] and dishonesty would it at once arrest [stop]. How many schemes [evil plans] would it crush. It would silence the voice of the slanderer [someone who makes false and damaging statements about others]; it would stay [stop] the plans of the seducer and the adulterer; it would put an end to cheating, and fraud, and all schemes of dishonest gain. The gambler desires the property of his neighbor without any compensation; and thus works 'ill' to him. The dealer in 'lotteries' desires property for which he has never toiled [worked], and which must be obtained at the expense and loss of others. And there are many 'employments' [jobs] all whose tendency is to work 'ill' to a neighbor. This is pre-eminently [especially] true of the traffic in 'ardent spirits' [alcoholic beverages]. It cannot do him good, and the almost uniform result is to deprive him of [take away] his property, health, reputation, peace, and domestic comfort [comfortable family life]. He that sells his neighbor liquid fire [in this case, alcoholic beverages], knowing what must be the result of it, is not pursuing a business which works no ill to him; and love to that neighbor would prompt him to abandon the traffic; see Habakkuk 2:15 …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/romans-13.html, "Verse 10")
APRIL 1
Biblical Description of the Messiah
Prophesying about the Messiah, the prophet Isaiah wrote:
Isaiah 53:1: "Who hath [has] believed our report [referring to his (Isaiah's) and the other Old Testament prophets' message about the Messiah]? and to whom is the arm of the LORD [the power of God with respect to the salvation of sinners] revealed?"
Isaiah 53:2: "For he [the Messiah, referring to Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God] shall grow up before him [Yahweh, or God the Father] as a tender plant [as a humble person], and as a root out of a dry ground [because he'll be born to poor earthly parents and will not seem to have been descended from royalty]: he [Jesus] hath no form [will not be handsome] nor comeliness [nor will he wear fancy clothes or royal robes] [in other words, he will be plain-looking (not ugly!) and will dress like normal people]; and when we [the Jewish people] shall see him, there is [will be] no beauty [in Jesus' outward appearance] [so] that we should desire [want to be around] him."
Proverbs 29:3: "Whoso [whoever] loveth [loves] wisdom [i.e., a wise son] rejoiceth his father [gives his father joy, or makes him happy]: but he that keepeth [keeps] company with harlots [prostitutes] [i.e., a foolish son] spendeth his substance [spends all of his money] [because he enjoys a lifestyle of loose living and immorality]."
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Salem Bible Church's title for this commentary is "Loving Wisdom vs. Loving Harlots," which is appropriate because the above verse "… is a contrast between a wise son who follows the counsel of wisdom and a foolish son who follows a sinful lifestyle."* * * * *
In the section of the commentary that focuses on the foolish son, Pastor Jim Delany says: "The sad part is that wisdom would have preserved him [the foolish son] from seeking harlots and loose living… and dealing with the aftermath and consequences of such a lifestyle." He goes on to say: "The good news is that, like the prodigal son [in the Bible], the foolish son can learn his lesson the hard way, repent and begin to love wisdom and seek it with all of his heart."At the end of the commentary, regarding the phrase spendeth his substance, the pastor says, "Immorality is very expensive--in many ways… the drugs, the booze, the hotels, the prostitutes, the gambling, potential blackmail, divorce, etc." and "There's a hefty [heavy] price to pay for loose living; it's not cheap."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_3/.
APRIL 28
Proverbs 28:4: "They that forsake [reject, have little or no respect for, refuse to obey] the law [of the land, including laws of God (found in the Bible) and laws of mankind (regulated by the government)] [i.e., law breakers] praise the wicked [people, who do illegal, immoral, and other bad things]: but such as [or those who] keep [obey and preserve] the law [i.e., law keepers] contend with them [the 'wicked'--by vigorously opposing their sinful actions and attempting to defend the principles of law and order]."
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The first half of this verse can be summed up as follows: "Wrongdoers encourage one another."(Source for quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/28-4.html, "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible," "Verse 4")
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Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on the entire verse.Here are some excerpts from paragraph A1 in the section about praising the wicked:
"d. The Law outlined the moral code that the nation of Israel was to live by… and it included penalties for violation of those laws.
"e. The Law of Moses was given for the good of the people of Israel.
"• Prov. 28:3 just mentioned oppressing the poor. The Law of Moses had provisions to protect the poor.
"• It had provisions to assure that justice was conducted in their courts of law; 2 or 3 witnesses; no false witnesses.
"• It had provisions to protect women -- laws against rape, etc.
"• It had provisions to assure a stable family unit: honor your parents.
"• It had provisions to protect private property; laws against stealing.
"• It had provisions to protect human life -- thou shalt not kill.
"f. The law was made to protect good people from wicked people."
In paragraph B of the same section of the commentary, we read:
"3. Most sensible people would think it quite abhorrent [disgusting] to actually PRAISE wicked men [such as serial killers, terrorists, bank robbers, muggers, street thugs, rapists, child abusers, and leaders of drug cartels]."
"5. Yet Solomon says that those who oppose law and order are doing that very thing--whether they want to acknowledge [admit] it or not.
"a. They 'praise the wicked' either by calling their wicked deeds good or by justifying them.
"b. While the person who cheats on his taxes would never praise a bank robber, in a sense, he is siding with him."
Near the end of the commentary, in paragraphs 4 and 5, it says (regarding government) "… there will always be a battle between law keepers and law breakers… between law abiding citizens and criminals," and (regarding the church) "… those who honor God's Word [as recorded in the Bible] and seek to obey it will always be engaged in a spiritual battle with those who don't honor God's Word."
If you want to read more of this commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_4/.
APRIL 27
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is encouraging everyone to sincerely repent (change their minds about sin) and turn back to God:
Isaiah 55:7: "Let the wicked [person] forsake [renounce or give up] his [or her] [evil] way, and [let] the unrighteous man [or woman or child] [forsake] his [or her] [sinful] thoughts: and let him [or her, referring to the wicked or unrighteous person] return unto the LORD, and he [God] will have mercy [compassion] upon him [or her]; and [let that wicked or unrighteous person return] to our God, for [because] he [God] will abundantly pardon [forgive] [him or her] [for his or her sins]."
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It appears that many people are confused about the concept of repentance. Consequently, while discussing this verse in his commentary on Isaiah 55, Charles Ellicott explains "… what repentance is, and what it is not.""(1) It is not fear. A man may be frightened, scared, and yet not repent. That has very often occurred at sea during a storm. When a storm sweeps over the ocean it brings about a great many strange things. You will find when talking to sea captains that a great many men become suddenly pious [religious], men who have been blaspheming [swearing, cursing] for years suddenly begin to pray, and you would think them very religious and repentant, but when the storm has passed over these men go on swearing again. That is only fear.
"(2) Then repentance is not feeling; a man may have much feeling, and yet not repent. That may sound strange, but it is clearly taught in Scripture. You go down to yonder prison, and you cannot find a man who is not sorry that he is there; but their trouble is simply because they have got caught, they feel very bad because they were unlucky; but let them out of prison and they will do the same over again. That is not repentance. A man may have a good deal of feeling, and weep [cry] bitterly for days, and yet not repent. So that it is not feeling or remorse [regret, guilt]. Judas [the man in the Bible who betrayed Jesus with a kiss] had that, plenty of it, so that he put an end to his existence [i.e., he killed himself]; and a man may be filled with remorse and not repent.
"The confession 'I have sinned' is made [in the Bible] by hardened [hard-hearted] Pharaoh (Exodus 9:27), double-minded Balaam (Numbers 22:34), remorseful Achan (Joshua 7:20), insincere King Saul (1 Samuel 15:24), despairing Judas (Matthew 27:4); but in none of these cases was there true repentance. …
"(3) Nor is it conviction. A man may be deeply convicted when he is going out of the house of God [or 'house of worship,' such as a church or temple]; he may know that his whole life is wrong, his conscience may lash him and smite him [or 'beat him'], and he may say, 'My whole life is dark and black.' He may be deeply convicted and yet not repent. Conviction is not repentance; making a few resolutions is not repentance; turning over a new leaf, as some men say they are going to do, that is not repentance; nor is it found in good feelings or good thoughts.
"A fit of sorrow is no great thing. Who has not had that? There are persons upon whom a penitential mood [a feeling of penitence] comes and comes and comes again; and nothing results from it. But this forsaking of the thoughts goes deep into the soul, and means a turning of the whole being towards God. It is quite true that the Bible does not lay stress on mere effervescence [bubbling up] of feeling, as if it were needful to pour out floods of tears, or utter cries of agony, or go mourning and grieving for any special number of hours or days, and with any special intensity. Yet it is not conceivable [believable, thinkable] that you should have a person convinced on the matter of his salvation, and changing his thoughts about God and sin, without strong feelings of abasement [humiliation] and shame. Take the type of a penitent, as Jesus gives it. See the publican [Jewish tax collector] standing afar off, not lifting so much as his eyes to heaven, smiting upon [striking, beating] his breast. There is nothing extravagant in that. …
"(4) What is it? Repentance is turning from. That is what repentance is. 'Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die, O house of Israel?' It is an afterthought, it is a change of mind. You ask how long a person is to feel sorry for his sins. Long enough to give them up--that is all. A man may have deep sorrow or he may not have much, but he has made up his mind that he is going to turn from his sins to God. …"
(Source: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/ebc/isaiah-55.php#.Ymlrqu3MJaR, "Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers: Isaiah 55," "Verse 7," "Repentance")
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GotQuestions.org also has an article on repentance. It's called "What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html.APRIL 26
Proverbs 26:1: "As snow [is an uncommon occurrence] in summer, and as rain [is not normal] in harvest [the season when crops are gathered from the fields], so honour is not seemly [fitting, appropriate] for a fool."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse. He starts out by stating that snow in summer, rain in harvest, and honor for a fool "… would be upsetting, damaging, have tragic consequences, would be undesirable, would be inappropriate, and would not be the way things should be." And then, using many specific examples, he goes on to explain what can happen when fools are hired to teach children, run countries, preach in churches, manage businesses, and provide entertainment.Near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"k. We seem to have a great knack at [tendency toward] giving honor, accolades [awards, words of praise], notoriety [fame], and recognition to the most undeserving people… many of whom are quite foolish. And at the same time, those who deserve honor and respect are ignored.
"l. That's not the way it should be. That is Solomon's point in this proverb. It is unseemly."
The commentary ends with this:
"13. The lesson is simple:
"a. Don't honor a fool.
"b. Don't put a fool in an honorable position.
"c. It is inappropriate--and there could be some disastrous consequences."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-26-index/proverbs-26_1/.
APRIL 25
Be Kind to Your Enemies
This especially applies to people who are suffering from hunger, thirst, injury, etc.
Proverbs 25:21: "If thine [your] enemy be hungry, give him [or her] bread [food] to eat; and if he [or she--the enemy] be thirsty, give him [or her] water to drink:"
Proverbs 25:22: "For [because, by giving your enemy 'bread to eat' and 'water to drink,'] thou shalt [you shall] heap [pile up] coals of fire [hot coals] upon his [or her--the enemy's] head [which can have more than one meaning--see note below*], and the LORD shall reward thee [bless you] [for your kindness to your enemy and your obedience to God]."
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We should try to be kind to everyone, including our enemies. In my opinion, being mean to people who already hate us only makes them hate us more.* * * * *
*According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, the phrase thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head in Proverbs 25:22 can have several meanings, both good and bad (as listed in paragraph 2 of the "hot coals" section of his commentary):"a. It could be understood as the third expression of agape [sacrificial] love and kindness shown to an enemy.
"b. Some have also interpreted this to mean that the deed of kindness may melt his heart and win over the heart of the enemy and make him a friend!
"c. It could also be understood as an expression of divine vengeance on an enemy."
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In paragraph 3 of the commentary, Pastor Delany goes on to explain why heaping coals of fire upon someone's head could be considered "an expression of love and kindness":
"a. In the days before electric stoves, lights, and heaters, fires were used to heat a home and cook the food.
"b. Often the fires were kept going by preserving the hot coals.
"c. If a fire went out, it was considered a neighborly thing to give your neighbor some of your hot embers.
"d. Those hot embers would be put in a metal dish and carried on the head as most things were.
"e. Many believe that 'heaping coals of fire on your enemy's head' was the third expression of kindness--like giving him food and water… and hot coals to cook the food on or heat his home."
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In the last section of the commentary, on rewards, the pastor explains a different meaning:
"B. Coals Upon the Head: As Divine Vengeance
"1. While it is possible that the coals of fire heaped upon the head of an enemy COULD refer to an act of kindness (as mentioned earlier), it is also possible that it refers to an act of divine [God's] wrath [anger] and vengeance [revenge] upon this enemy.
"2. If this is the case, then the proverb is to be understood in this sense:
"a. Our responsibility is to give food and drink to a cruel and heartless enemy as an act of love.
"• We are not to take vengeance into our own hands, but to leave that to the Lord.
"• Prov. 24:29 -- We are not to 'pay back' those who have harmed us. We are to leave it to the Lord.
"b. God's responsibility will be twofold:
"• God will judge the enemy in His time and way. God will add heaps of burning coals to his head--perhaps a reference to more severe judgment in the Lake of Fire.
"» Rom. 12:19-21 -- Paul [the apostle] quotes this proverb and seems to link the heaping of coals to divine vengeance.
"» By showing an enemy deeds of kindness, you are actually increasing his judgment and adding coals of judgment to his head, for he is now sinning against greater light… sinning against expressions of God's love through you!
"• And God will reward you for not taking vengeance into your own hands, but choosing to obey God and showing kindness even to an enemy!
"c. God will do all the 'paying back' for deeds done--both good deeds (He rewards you) and evil deeds (He judges the enemy).
"• Thus, when we obey God and show kindness to our enemy, we can do so knowing that the enemy isn't getting away with anything. Justice will prevail [win] eventually.
"• It is not our job to do the judging. Our job is to do good to all men and leave the judgment and vengeance to the Lord.
"• Of course we should not do good to others HOPING that our deeds will cause them more pain and suffering in the afterlife [in this case, hell and/or the lake of fire]. A vengeful spirit displeases the Lord.
"• We receive no reward for deeds done with the wrong attitude or evil motive."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-25-index/proverbs-25_21-22/.
APRIL 24
God appeared to King Solomon in a dream or vision and said:
2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name [referring, in this verse, to the Jewish people specifically, but also to born-again Christians], shall humble themselves, and pray [to me (God) for removal of their nation's judgment, or punishment], and [if they will] seek my face [for mercy and forgiveness], and turn from their wicked ways [i.e., stop doing bad (sinful, ungodly, immoral) things]; then will I [God] hear [their prayers] from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
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Regarding the above verse, Pastor Chuck Smith wrote:"This promise of God is an answer to Solomon's prayer. As Solomon foresaw the calamities [disasters, including drought, locusts, and pestilence (fatal epidemic diseases)] that might befall [fall upon] the nation [of Israel] in their sinning against God, and if they turn and repent and pray, then hear Thou from Thy dwelling place in heaven. God is now answering the prayer of Solomon saying, 'If these things come, and if my people who are called by my name will just humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.'
"I believe that this scripture today is perhaps one of the most important scriptures to be brought before the people of our nation. The people who have been called by His name. United States has been considered as a Christian nation. I didn't say it was a Christian nation. I said it's been considered as a Christian nation. But how far we have moved from true Christianity. How far we have moved from God in our national life, in our local life. And we see the plague that Solomon could foresee. The judgments of God. It is time for God's people to humble themselves and pray and to seek His face and to turn from their wicked ways, because God will hear. God will forgive. And God will heal the land. That's His promise."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-chronicles/7-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
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A slightly different "take" on whether today's verse also applies to Christians throughout the world who desire to bring about national repentance and revival where they live is discussed in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 7:14?" It can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/2-Chronicles-7-14.html.APRIL 22-23
Proverbs 22:9: "He [or she] that hath [has] a bountiful eye [i.e., a generous person--someone who is always watching out for the well being of others] shall be blessed [by God and people]; for he [or she--the person with the 'bountiful eye'] giveth [gives] of his [or her] bread to [or shares his (or her) food and other necessities of life with] the poor [people]."
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Regarding today's verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church said, "The bountiful eye Solomon describes is the person who keeps his eyes OPEN for those in need… and tries to help."* * * * *
In paragraphs 4 and 5 of his commentary on this verse, under the heading "Shall be blessed" (about halfway down the page), Pastor Delany explains how people sometimes make incorrect assumptions about the scriptures or twist them to their own advantage. Included are specific examples of what he calls "abuse by using Bible principles to GET physical blessings in this life" (i.e., having the wrong motive for giving, or "Giving in order to GET") from books by K.H. Caldwell, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and Joel Osteen.The commentary ends with this:
"We are to consider the poor and share our bread with them… NOT so that God will make us rich and successful in this life… but rather so that we might manifest [show, demonstrate] the life and love of Christ unto the glory of God. Those are two very different motivations."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-22-index/proverbs-22_9/.
APRIL 21
Proverbs 21:23: "Whoso [whoever] keepeth [guards] his [or her] mouth and his [or her] tongue [or keeps them under control, meaning the person is careful of or watches what he (or she) says] keepeth [keeps] his [or her] soul from troubles [or stays out of trouble]."
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In his Bible study notes on Proverbs, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church summarizes the above verse as follows: "… keep your mouth shut and you will stay out of trouble!"* * * * *
Here are some excerpts from the pastor's commentary:"i. You might think of guarding our mouths like a guard at the entrance to the White House. His job is to carefully watch and monitor who comes and who goes. No one goes through that gate without proper identification as one who has been approved for entrance. He is to be on constant alert that some who seeks to enter that gate have evil intentions.
"j. So too with our words. We are to keep or guard our mouths for every word we say. No word is to travel through the mouth gate unless it has been approved… and its intentions are good."
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"4. Keeping the soul from trouble.
"a. The one who guards his mouth will protect his soul from all kinds of distress… calamity… unfavorable circumstances… and from emotional pain, distress.
"b. The one who guards his mouth will protect his soul from enemies of the soul… from worry, fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, bitterness, and all kinds of other internal emotional forms of distress and painful memories.
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"5. Troubles we can avoid.
"a. Prov. 10:19 -- In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.
"• Jas. 3:5 -- And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
"• We can sin with our mouths. (Lie; gossip; slander; mislead; brag; boast; curse; deceive; etc.)
"• Solomon notes in this verse that the more we talk (multitude of words) the better our chances of sinning.
"• Solomon also tells us that it is wise to refrain our lips, tongues, and mouths (if we talk less, we will sin less.)
"• By speaking too much we can turn people off and lose friends.
"• By multiplying our words, we multiply our chances of offending someone… hurting someone's feelings… misleading… or gossiping. (Sin!)
"• This often backfires on us and leads to all kinds of self inflicted trouble.
"b. Prov. 12:13 -- 'The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.'
"• Transgressing lips are a snare… something that traps you…
"• Solomon is saying that when we sin with our lips, we get CAUGHT in a trap of our own making!
"• If we sin with our lips, sooner or later, those words will come back to haunt us…
"• If we are careless with our tongues, and speak without thinking… we are setting TRAPS that will BITE us… and cause trouble for us--eventually.
"• Those who lie discover that their words will come back to bite them.
"• Those who gossip and slander discover the same thing.
"• Eventually our sin will find us out… and it will cause much trouble (embarrassment; to loss of friends; loss of a job; or worse!)
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"• The one who does not guard his lips will be continually offending, insulting, hurting feelings, and getting people mad at him.
"• Words really do stir up anger.
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"• A fool's lips enter into contention.
"• In other words, whenever he opens his mouth, he starts an argument or contention. His words PROVOKE arguments and fighting.
"• His big mouth is constantly getting him into trouble.
"• Note also that STROKES await him. He deserves a whipping.
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"6. All of these troubles will have a debilitating [weakening] effect on the believer [saved person, Christian].
"a. It will not leave us in any frame of mind to serve the Lord.
"b. It will leave us frazzled [exhausted] and torn.
"c. It leaves a storm of controversy and contention wherever we go.
"d. It is sin and ruins our relationship with both God and man.
"e. It leaves us with an uneasy, troubled, distressed heart… full of guilt and shame… embarrassment… a loss of friends… and a miserable life.
"f. In other words--a life of TROUBLE.
"7. All of this trouble can be AVOIDED by simply watching our mouth… keeping our big mouth shut!"
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_23/.
APRIL 20
Proverbs 20:4: "The sluggard [the habitually inactive or lazy person] will not plow by reason of the cold [weather, even though, in some parts of the world, the cold, rainy season is when the fields must be plowed so that the seeds can be planted and the crops will have time to grow into a bountiful (abundant, plentiful) harvest]; therefore shall he [or she--the sluggard] beg [for food] in harvest, and have nothing [to eat]."
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According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, sluggards make many excuses for their laziness. However, this verse tells us that we need to "… take advantage of opportunities while the window is open… for it may soon be shut."* * * * *
In the second part of his commentary on the above verse, regarding charity and welfare, Pastor Delany said:"c. It is WRONG for a man who is able to work and chooses NOT to work, to expect others to provide food for him.
"d. II Thess. 3:10 -- if a man WILL not work, neither should he eat.
"• The emphasis here is on WILL not.
"• Men who are willing to work but for some reason beyond their control they are unable to do so should not go hungry.
"• That's where Christian charity comes in.
"• If we can we should FEED that man. Don't send that man away hungry.
"e. But it is not right to feed the sluggard. That will only encourage his laziness. It is rewarding bad behavior.
"f. That [i.e., feeding the sluggards] only exacerbates the problem [or makes it worse] and it sets a terrible example. Other sluggards will observe [watch, notice] and discover that if they are lazy, they too will be rewarded with handouts. Why plow?
"g. It IS right to let them [these lazy people] go hungry. That is God's method of curing the sluggard: hunger! Pain… maybe homelessness… cold…
"h. Those who give to the sluggards of the world THINK that they are showing compassion to them.
"i. In fact, they [the people who give to the sluggards of the world] are part of the problem. Those handouts are BREEDING [generating] more sluggards and perpetuating the problem [or making it continue indefinitely].
"j. As cold [cold-hearted] as it might seem at first, it is best to let them [the sluggards] go without [food, etc.]… let them go hungry."
To read the rest of the commentary, click here: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_4/.
APRIL 19
Jesus Christ is Our High Priest
Hebrews 4:14: "Seeing then that we [born-again Christians] have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, [i.e.,] Jesus the Son of God [who, after his resurrection (or after he rose from the dead), went back to heaven], let us hold fast [to, or remain strong in,] our profession [of faith in Jesus as Savior, trusting that he has fully paid for our sins with his blood and that he will save us from hell]."
Hebrews 4:15: "For we have not [we do not have] an high priest which [or 'who,'] [like Aaron and other high priests in Old Testament times,] cannot be touched with [affected by] the feeling of our infirmities [physical and mental weaknesses]; but [our high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ] was in all points [things] tempted like as we are [tempted], yet without [committing] sin [in thoughts, words, and deeds]."
Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace [i.e., God's throne in heaven] [through prayer], [so] that we may obtain mercy [kindness, compassion, forgiveness of sin], and find grace [unmerited (undeserved) favor, willingness] to help [us] in time of need."
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By dying on the cross to pay for our sins, Jesus made it possible for Christians to communicate with God. According to the Bible, Jesus is our high priest and mediator, both of which are defined and explained in the following articles:-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-High-Priest.html)
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-mediator.html)
APRIL 16-18
The Resurrection of Jesus
John 20:1: "[On] The first day of the week [Sunday] cometh [came] Mary Magdalene early [before dawn], when it was yet [still] dark, unto the sepulchre [tomb], and seeth [saw that] the stone [or very large rock] [had been] taken away from the [entrance to the] sepulchre."
John 20:2: "Then she [Mary] runneth [ran], and cometh [came] to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple [John], whom Jesus loved, and saith [said] unto them, They [referring either to Jesus' enemies (who may have stolen and hidden his body) or friends (who may have moved his body to another tomb)] have taken away the Lord [Jesus] out of the sepulchre, and we [meaning Mary and the women who had gone to the tomb with her] know not [do not know] where they [Jesus' enemies or friends] have laid him."
John 20:3-5: "Peter therefore went forth, and [or 'with'] that other disciple [John], and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple [John] did outrun [run faster than] Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he [John] stooping down, and looking in [or 'into the tomb"], saw the linen [grave] clothes [i.e., strips of linen cloth that were wrapped around dead bodies] lying [there]; yet went he not in [he didn't go inside]."
John 20:6-7: "Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth [saw] the linen clothes lie [lying there], And the napkin [cloth], that was about [or had been covering] his [Jesus'] head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together [folded] in a place by itself."
John 20:8-9 "Then went in also that other disciple [John], which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw [the same things that Peter saw], and believed [that Jesus was alive]. For as yet they knew not [did not know] the scripture [or Bible verse, probably Psalm 16:10, stating], that he [Jesus] must rise again from the dead."
John 20:10: "Then the disciples [Peter and John] went away again unto their own home."
John 20:11-12,13: "But Mary [Magdalene] stood without [outside] at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth [saw] two angels in white [robes] sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain [been lying]. And they [the angels] say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou [why do you weep]? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not [I do not know] where they have laid him."
John 20:14,15: "And when she [Mary] had thus said [had said that], she turned herself back [around], and saw Jesus standing [there], and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou [why are you crying]? whom seekest thou [whom do you seek]? She [Mary], supposing him [Jesus] to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence [or 'if you have carried him away'], tell me where thou hast [you have] laid him, and I will take him away."
John 20:16,17 "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself [toward Jesus], and saith unto him, Rabboni [a title of honor]; which is to say, Master [or, literally, 'my great Master']. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not [don't touch me--see note below*]; for I am not yet ascended to my Father [in heaven]: but go to my brethren [in this case, referring to his disciples], and say unto them, I [Jesus] ascend [go up] unto my [heavenly] Father, and your [heavenly] Father; and to my God, and your God."
John 20:18: "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord [Jesus], and that he had spoken these things unto her."
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*In regard to Jesus' words Touch me not in John 20:17, C. I. Scofield explains:"… Three views are held:
"(1) That Jesus speaks to Mary as the High Priest fulfilling the day of atonement (Leviticus 16). Having accomplished the sacrifice [for sin], He was on His way to present the sacred blood in heaven, and that, between the meeting with Mary in the garden and the meeting of Matthew 28:9 [when the women came and held him by the feet]. He had so ascended [to heaven] and returned [to earth]: a view [that is] in harmony [agreement] with types.
"(2) That Mary Magdalene, knowing as yet only Christ after the flesh [i.e., as a human being] … and having found her Beloved, sought only to hold Him so; while He [Jesus], about to assume a new relation to His disciples in ascension, gently teaches Mary that now she must not seek to hold Him to the earth, but rather become His messenger of the new joy.
"(3) That He merely meant: 'Do not detain me now; I am not yet ascended; you will see me again; run rather to my brethren,' etc. …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/20-17.html, "Scofield's Reference Notes")
* * * * *
In the following excerpt, which is quoted from an article entitled "Jesus' Literal, Physical, Precious, Blood Saves!" (https://www.jesusisprecious.org/fundamentals/blood_saves.htm), we find an excellent reason for believing the first view listed above (from the Scofield commentary):"The LITERAL Blood of Jesus Had to be Applied to the Mercy Seat in Heaven
"Now here is some sound Biblical doctrine! The great Bible teacher, M.R. DeHaan, M.D. …, has it 100% correct when he states concerning the blood of Jesus...
"The blood was to be sprinkled, remember, on the mercy seat right after the death of the substitutionary animal of sacrifice, Now [Jesus] Christ is, of course, our substitute. He was slain [killed] for us upon the Cross, and entered into death for us, and when He arose [from the grave], He immediately went to heaven, entered into the holy of holies in heaven, sprinkled His precious blood upon the mercy seat before the throne of God, and forever settled the sin questions, and delivered us from the curse of the law. This is clearly taught in the New testament. Hebrews 9:12 is very definite on this:
"'But by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.'
"The Bible also makes plain when He accomplished this. On the morning of the resurrection He [Jesus] meets Mary [Magdalene] at the tomb. As soon as Mary recognized Him, she prostrated herself upon Him [or 'she lay face down on the ground before him'], and would have kissed His feet, but with shocking suddenness, Jesus emphatically says to her: 'Touch me not'; and then He proceeds immediately to give the reason why Mary is not permitted to touch Him at all.
"'For I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.' (John 20:17)
"Literally the Lord Jesus Christ said, 'Touch me not; for I now am about to ascend unto my Father.' We can understand this action when we remember the [that] the high priest after he had offered the [animal] sacrifice, was to enter the holy of holies, before he did anything else, with the precious blood. No one was allowed to approach him. Everyone was shut out until this was completely done. And here in the record of the meeting with Mary we have the fulfillment of this type. Here Mary meets her great High Priest [i.e., Jesus], just arisen from the tomb, but before He had entered the holy of holies [in heaven] with the reconciling blood. And so He says to her, 'TOUCH ME NOT.'
"SOURCE: The TABERNACLE, by M.R. DeHaan, M.D., ISBN 0-310-23491-3, page 129."
APRIL 15
Proverbs 15:9: "The way [of life, or the lifestyles] of the wicked [people--those who are sinful, disobedient, rebellious, immoral, etc.] is an abomination [a disgusting thing] unto the LORD: but he [God] loveth [loves] him [or her] that followeth [follows] after righteousness [or 'who obeys the Bible']".
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Salem Bible Church's commentary sums up this verse as follows: "If a man is walking in the way of sin, rebellion, and unbelief, no prayer, no sacrifice, no thought could ever endear him to [or make him beloved or well liked by] God. Nothing on that way is acceptable to the Lord."Here is an excerpt from paragraph B2 of the commentary regarding the first part of today's verse:
"c. The wicked cannot take their anger out on God directly, so it vents its wrath [expresses its anger] against godly men and women [i.e., Christians].
"d. This is the world's way of saying to God, 'the feeling of abomination is mutual!'
"e. This is one of the reasons for such hostility and deep division in our nation today.
"» The deep division and hostility [unfriendliness] is not so much over tax cuts, building highways or schools, or passing this bill or that.
"» The real division is over the MORAL issues of our day: abortion; gay marriage; fornication [sexual intercourse between people not married to each other]; euthanasia [mercy killing, assisted suicide]; divorce and the breakdown of the traditional Christian family; etc."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-15-index/proverbs-15_9/.
APRIL 14
Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way [of life] which seemeth [seems] right unto a man [or woman or child], but the end thereof [or 'of that way'] are the ways of death."
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In other words, some of the paths in life that we choose to follow, such as a sinful lifestyle, may lead to death. Regarding salvation, choosing the wrong path will lead to hell (Matthew 7:13-14).* * * * *
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, just because something seems to be right doesn't mean that it is right, especially to God.The pastor's excellent commentary on this verse gives examples of things that seem right to mankind and result in death. They include the following:
"• Abortion …
"• Homosexuality …
"• Abolishing the death penalty …
"• Persecuting Christians …
"• Suicide bombers …"
Other things may seem right to us because our concept of right and wrong is twisted. For example:
"g. Vice sometimes is passed off as virtue.
"• Covetousness is passed off as being a 'good steward'
"• Laziness is passed off as 'resting in the Lord'
"• Cowardice be disguised as 'meekness'
"• Pride is often cloaked in 'false humility'"
In paragraph 3, the commentary lists (and discusses) some of the reasons why people may choose to go the wrong way or do the wrong thing. They include the following:
"a. Sometimes it is because this way is easier… and convenient…
"• Why take the harder route? The easy route often SEEMS right…
"• Why read that whole book when I can do my report on the Cliff notes. After all, I'm not going to be an English major!
"b. Sometimes, it is because this is the way everyone else is taking.
"• If that many people are taking it, it MUST be right!
"• If everyone in the office is doing it… or if all the kids in my class are doing it… it must not be so bad!
"c. Sometimes this way seems right because of pride.
"• We THINK we know more than the people who warned us against it.
"• 'I know I've been told that doing it this way is wrong, but who are they to tell me? Who do they think they are?'
"d. Sometimes such a route might seem right because the dangers are not visible or obvious to the inexperienced.
"• That's why Proverbs was written--to give wisdom to the inexperienced!
"• Young people often do not see the danger… and can't understand WHY something is wrong.
"• They think those giving warnings are exaggerating… going overboard… worry warts… etc.
"• So to them, it's ok.
"e. Sometimes it's because we have an it won't happen to me attitude. This too is pride.
"• They see others walking down that route and nothing happened to them… (Cf. Ecc. 8:11-13)
"f. Sometimes it is because sin is a deceiver.
"• Sin blinds men to the truth.
"• Sin is presented in a veneer of fun, but under that mask is the way of death!
"• Alcohol; drugs; illicit sex; tobacco; fast cars; --all are advertised with a cool cover…
"• Ps. 30:6 -- when things SEEM to be going well… a person may SEEM to be safe… but all is illusion.
"g. Sometimes it is because of worldly thinking.
"• We might begin to think that 'my parents' and 'my church' are so old fashioned.
"• Times have changed. This way isn't wrong any more.
"h. Sometimes it is because we are so touchy feely in our thinking.
"• 'If it feels so good, how could it be wrong?'
"• I [probably referring to Pastor Delany] have had believers tell me this--living in sin, yet saying, 'God understands… we love each other.'"
The commentary concludes with the reasons why even unsaved folks may be fooled:
"a. They have assumed that because they are religious that all is right before God. They will discover that their religion may well be leading them to hell!
"b. They may have convinced themselves they are saved (because they go to church; because their parents are saved; because they said a prayer one day [probably referring to what is known as the 'sinner's prayer'; in other words, they may have asked Jesus to come into their hearts and save them but did not really mean what they said]; etc.)… but they may discover one day in Hell… that they were kidding themselves in thinking they were saved…
"c. It SEEMED right… but it was all appearance and show… no reality. It leads to death… eternal condemnation!"
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-14-index/proverbs-14_12/.
* * * * *
Pastor Chuck Smith's commentary on Proverbs 14:12 focuses on the path to salvation. It says:"So what is the way that seems right to man but ends in death? Is it narrow and is it straight? Or is it broad? Jesus said, 'Strive to enter in at the straight gate. Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it. But broad is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, many there are that go in thereat' ( Matthew 7:13-14 ).
"'There is a way that seems right unto man.' You hear people today say, 'Well, all roads lead to God.' Not according to Jesus Christ. He said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by Me' ( John 14:6 ). All roads may lead to God, but which god? You see, there's only one path that leads to the Father. There's only one way to the Father--that's through Jesus Christ. So, 'There is way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.'
"If you are walking in any other way other than Jesus Christ, you're walking in a path that's going to ultimate [ultimately end] in death. Separation from God. There's only one way, Jesus Christ."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/14-12.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 13
Jesus said to his disciples:
John 16:24: "Hitherto [until now] have ye [you have] asked [for] nothing in my name: ask [God the Father for something in my (Jesus') name], and ye shall receive [an answer to your prayer], [so] that your joy may be full [complete]."
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The reason Jesus told his disciples and all born-again Christians to ask in his name (for example, by ending our prayers with 'In Jesus' name,' or 'We pray these things in Jesus' name,' or something similar) for things that we want and need is because the Bible says, in 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men [human beings], the man Christ Jesus;"* * * * *
The following articles by GotQuestions.org contain a detailed explanation of why Jesus is the mediator (intercessor) between God and us:-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-mediator.html)
-- "What does it mean that there is one mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/one-mediator-between-God-and-man.html)
* * * * *
In his commentary on a different Bible verse (1 John 5:14), regarding asking according to God's will, which I have referred to in the past, James Burton Coffman points out these facts:"God's promise of answering prayer, however, is not a blank check, the qualification laid down here being only one of a number of Scriptural limitations on it. Others are: prayers must be offered in faith (Mark 11:24), in the name of Jesus (John 14:14), and by one abiding in [remaining connected to] Christ (John 15:7). Furthermore, only those who have forgiven (Mark 11:15); and only those whose prayers flow out of an obedient life (1 John 3:22), and who will not use their blessings for the gratification [satisfaction] of their lusts and passions (James 4:3), may properly claim in confidence the answer of their prayers."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-john/5-14.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")
APRIL 11-12
In a letter to the churches of Galatia, the apostle Paul wrote:
Galatians 2:16: "Knowing that a man [or woman or child] is not justified [considered righteous, or acceptable in God's sight] by the works of the law [by obeying the law of Moses--see note below*], but by the faith of Jesus Christ [i.e., by accepting Jesus' death on the cross as full payment for our sins], even we [Jewish Christians, to whom Paul's letter was addressed, and all other Christians throughout the world] have believed [placed our trust] in [the Lord] Jesus Christ [as Savior], [so] that we might be justified [born again, or saved] by the faith of [in] Christ, and not by the works of the law [referring to good works, or good deeds]: for by the works of the law shall no flesh [no person, Jew or Gentile] be justified."
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In other words, according to the Bible, we are justified by faith (believing in Jesus), not by works (obeying the law).* * * * *
How to be saved the Bible way: 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.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.
* * * * *
*The article entitled "What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament?" explains the various parts of the law of Moses. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html.APRIL 10
In a letter to the church of the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul (with Silas and Timothy) wrote:
1 Thessalonians 2:18: "Wherefore we would have come unto you [sooner], even I Paul, [would have visited you] once and again [several times]; but Satan hindered us [prevented or stopped us from doing so]."
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As the "prince of the power of the air" (see article listed below for explanation), Satan currently has much power on earth. If he can stop an apostle of God from doing his job, he can surely prevent Christians from doing things that they want or need to do.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "What does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/prince-power-air.html.APRIL 9
This was a warning for Christians from the apostle Peter:
1 Peter 4:17: "For the time is come that judgment [calamities, trials and testing, persecution, correction] must begin at the house [household, family] of God [referring to the church, or the people of God (i.e., born-again Christians)]: and if it [judgment] first begin at [with] us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God [or 'what worse punishment and suffering will unsaved people (unbelievers) experience in heaven on judgment day']?"
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In other words, according to Albert Barnes:"… the judgments which God brings upon his own people make it certain that the wicked will be punished. If he does not spare his own people, why should he spare others? … The punishment of the wicked is merely delayed …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-peter-4.html, "Verse 17")
APRIL 8
The Importance of Wisdom
Wisdom (God's wisdom personified, or speaking like a person) says:
Proverbs 8:35-36: "For whoso findeth me [whoever finds me (wisdom)] [i.e., whoever searches for wisdom, finds it, and does what it says] findeth life [a good, long, happy life … one that is worth living], and shall obtain favour of [blessings from] the LORD. But he [or she] that sinneth [sins] against me [wisdom---by refusing to follow my lead or take my advice] wrongeth [wrongs] his [or her] own soul: all they that hate me [wisdom] love death."
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In his Bible study on these verses, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says:"a. … the life that listens with the ears and the heart to Lady Wisdom is the life that will be blessed by God.
"b. If we refuse to follow the way of God's wisdom… we are refusing His [God's] blessing in our life!
"c. This is all our choice."
* * * * *
In paragraph 1 of his commentary, under "Life and Favor," Pastor Delany goes on to say:"h. We act on our feelings way too often. We are by nature impatient.
"• Sometimes we decide and then pray.
"• On other occasions, we pray and then decide… which can be just as bad!
"• What God wants us to do is to pray… and wait for an answer! Don't pray… and then go ahead and do what we have already decided to do!
"• That is the way of the flesh… acting on feelings and impulses.
"• God is able to guide us… incline our mind and heart… to use His Word [as recorded in the Bible]… to work IN us both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure.
"• The one who truly FINDS wisdom is the one who waits at the posts of Lady Wisdom's doorposts… waiting to KNOW what is the right way to go… the right thing to do… the right and wise decision to make.
"• Ex. 29:42 -- the priests waited at the door of the tabernacle to hear the word of the Lord!
"• THEN we need to act and obey--even if the way seems tough… even if the way of wisdom involves suffering… crosses to bear…"
Included in the pastor's commentary are examples of ways that people "wrong their own souls" (or hurt themselves--through alcoholism, sexual immorality, gambling, bad parenting, gossip, laziness, etc.) by rejecting and disobeying God's counsel and by choosing, instead, to do bad things.
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-8-index/proverbs-8_35-36/.
APRIL 6-7
Troublemakers
Proverbs 6:12-13: "A naughty [worthless, good-for-nothing] person, a wicked man [or woman or child; i.e., a troublemaker], walketh [walks around] with a froward [crooked, lying] mouth [meaning he (or she) habitually distorts the truth]. He [or she] winketh [winks] with his [or her] eyes, he [or she] speaketh [speaks] with his [or her] feet, he [or she] teacheth [teaches] with his [or her] fingers [i.e., by using hand gestures];"
Proverbs 6:14: "Frowardness [or 'perversity'--see note below for definition*] is in his [or her] heart [mind], he [or she] deviseth [devises] mischief [or 'plots schemes'] continually; he [or she] soweth [sows] discord [by causing disagreements and division and stirring up trouble]."
Proverbs 6:15: "Therefore shall his [or her--the troublemaker's] calamity [misfortune, misery] come suddenly; suddenly shall he [or she] be broken without remedy [relief or cure]."
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In his commentary on Proverbs 6:12, Albert Barnes says:"… This is the portrait [picture] of the man who is not to be trusted, whose look and gestures warn against him all who can observe [see]. His speech is tortuous [unpleasant, painful] and crafty [clever, especially in a dishonest way]; his wink tells the accomplice [the troublemaker's assistant] that the victim is already snared [caught, trapped]; his [the troublemaker's] gestures with foot and hand are half in deceit [deception], and half in mockery [ridicule]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/proverbs-6.html, "Verse 12")
* * * * *
Another Bible commentator wrote:"The person in view in Proverbs 6:12-15 is one who, for the amusement it gives him or her, causes other people to experience inconvenience or suffering. A simple joke is different from joking at someone else's expense, joking that hurts someone else. The latter [second] practice [i.e., joking at someone else's expense] is what Solomon urged his son to avoid …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/6-12.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
* * * * *
Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church has also done a Bible study on Proverbs 6:12-15, and in it, he gives many examples of the various types of body language that are mentioned in those verses. If you want to read his commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-6-index/proverbs-6_12-15/.* * * * *
*Definition of perversity, according to online dictionaries: A deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; contrariness; the quality of being contrary [opposite in nature] to accepted standards or practice.APRIL 5
Proverbs 5:21: "For the ways of man [mankind] 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]."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says we should be pay attention to what we're doing because God is always watching us.* * * * *
Pastor Delany's commentary for today's verse is combined with verses 18-20, on the subject of sexual immorality. If you want to read his commentary, click on this link (https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-5-index/proverbs-5_18-21/) and scroll down the page to verse 21, which is near the bottom. The verse itself is in fancy type and highlighted.* * * * *
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.APRIL 4
Stay Away From Bad People
In these verses, King Solomon was teaching his son (and us) some of the do's and don'ts of life:
Proverbs 4:14-15: "Enter not into [don't enter] the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men [and women and children] [i.e., don't do what they do]. Avoid it [the 'path of the wicked'], pass not by it, turn [aside] from it, and pass away [from it]."
Proverbs 4:16: [Why we should stay away from bad, or evil, people:] "For they [the evil people] sleep not [cannot sleep], except [unless] they have done mischief [caused harm to others]; and their sleep is taken away [from them, meaning they can't sleep], unless they cause some [people] to fall [into sin]."
Proverbs 4:17: [Evil people 'do mischief' and 'cause some to fall':] "For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence." [And according to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, 'A steady diet of violence, immorality, perversion, and vice {wrongdoing} creates an appetite for even more…'--see note below (*) for a link to the pastor's commentary.]
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King Solomon's advice: Don't associate (have anything to do) with bad people--don't be their friends, don't join gangs, etc. That's the best way to stay out of trouble.* * * * *
*Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on these verses. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-4-index/proverbs-4_14-17/.APRIL 2-3
Romans 13:10: "Love worketh no ill [works no ill, does nothing bad] to his [or her] neighbour [i.e., a person with genuine love in his (or her) heart does not harm others but treats them kindly and tries to do good things for them]: therefore love [of both God and 'man' (mankind, human beings)] is the fulfilling [meets the requirements] of the law [of Moses--see note below*]."
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*The law of Moses, which was originally intended for Jewish people, is divided into three parts (moral, ceremonial, and judicial), all of which are explained by GotQuestions.org in their article entitled "What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament?" It can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html.* * * * *
In the New Testament, Jesus was asked an important question by one of his followers. Their conversation went like this:Matthew 22:36: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"
Matthew 22:37-38: "Jesus said unto him, 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."
Matthew 22:39: "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Matthew 22:40: "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
In other words, those two commandments about loving both God and people cover everything that is contained in the Ten Commandments that were originally given to Moses by God.
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said that he did not come to "destroy the law [of Moses] … but to fulfil" it, and by answering the above question as he did, he implied that everyone, not just Jewish people, should obey the Ten Commandments (i.e., the moral part of the law of Moses). For your convenience, these commandments are listed below:
The Ten Commandments
(Source: Quoted from Exodus 20:2-17)
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.(Source: Quoted from Exodus 20:2-17)
[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."
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In his commentary, Albert Barnes said this about today's verse:"Love worketh no ill ... - Love would seek to do him good; of course it would prevent all dishonesty and crime toward others. It would prompt to justice, truth, and benevolence [kindness]. If this law were engraved on every man's heart, and practiced in his life, what a change would it immediately produce in society! If all people would at once 'abandon' what is suited to 'work ill' to others, what an influence would it have on the business and commercial affairs of people. How many plans of fraud [deceit] and dishonesty would it at once arrest [stop]. How many schemes [evil plans] would it crush. It would silence the voice of the slanderer [someone who makes false and damaging statements about others]; it would stay [stop] the plans of the seducer and the adulterer; it would put an end to cheating, and fraud, and all schemes of dishonest gain. The gambler desires the property of his neighbor without any compensation; and thus works 'ill' to him. The dealer in 'lotteries' desires property for which he has never toiled [worked], and which must be obtained at the expense and loss of others. And there are many 'employments' [jobs] all whose tendency is to work 'ill' to a neighbor. This is pre-eminently [especially] true of the traffic in 'ardent spirits' [alcoholic beverages]. It cannot do him good, and the almost uniform result is to deprive him of [take away] his property, health, reputation, peace, and domestic comfort [comfortable family life]. He that sells his neighbor liquid fire [in this case, alcoholic beverages], knowing what must be the result of it, is not pursuing a business which works no ill to him; and love to that neighbor would prompt him to abandon the traffic; see Habakkuk 2:15 …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/romans-13.html, "Verse 10")
APRIL 1
Biblical Description of the Messiah
Prophesying about the Messiah, the prophet Isaiah wrote:
Isaiah 53:1: "Who hath [has] believed our report [referring to his (Isaiah's) and the other Old Testament prophets' message about the Messiah]? and to whom is the arm of the LORD [the power of God with respect to the salvation of sinners] revealed?"
Isaiah 53:2: "For he [the Messiah, referring to Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God] shall grow up before him [Yahweh, or God the Father] as a tender plant [as a humble person], and as a root out of a dry ground [because he'll be born to poor earthly parents and will not seem to have been descended from royalty]: he [Jesus] hath no form [will not be handsome] nor comeliness [nor will he wear fancy clothes or royal robes] [in other words, he will be plain-looking (not ugly!) and will dress like normal people]; and when we [the Jewish people] shall see him, there is [will be] no beauty [in Jesus' outward appearance] [so] that we should desire [want to be around] him."
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Because Jesus didn't look or dress like a king during his ministry here on earth, most Jewish people rejected him as their Messiah.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org commented on the above verse in their article entitled "What did Jesus look like?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-look-like.html.