"Verse of the Day" Bible Verses (KJV)

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"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses

Previous Month

June 2022

JUNE 30

Agur's Prayer to God

Proverbs 30:7: "Two things have I [Agur] required [sincerely desired, asked] of thee [you, Lord]; deny me them not [please grant these requests] before I die:"

Proverbs 30:8 [Agur's two requests]: "[1] Remove far from me vanity [falsehood (or deception) in general, as when people 'live a lie' by thinking, imagining, and loving lies--without speaking] and lies [falsehoods that are spoken] [in other words, Agur wants God to keep him honest in thought, word, and deed]: [2] give me neither poverty nor riches [don't let me be poor or rich]; feed me with food convenient [suitable] for me [in other words, Agur wants God to provide for his family's daily needs]:"

Proverbs 30:9 [Reasons for Agur's second request; i.e., 'give me neither poverty nor riches']: "Lest I be [so I won't be] full [satisfied, filled], and deny thee [you, referring to God], and say, Who is the LORD? [i.e., Agur doesn't want to forget about God, or think that he doesn't need God at all and that it's not necessary to obey God and serve him] or lest I [so I won't] be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain [i.e., Agur didn't want to be tempted to dishonor God in any way, or treat him without respect]."

_______________

According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, in these verses, Agur is asking God for help in overcoming "his two most spiritually damaging besetting sins," vanity and lies (with an apparent weakness regarding material goods, or possessions).

Agur asked God to "… take away his tendency to lie… to stretch the truth… to be dishonest… to embellish [i.e., add things to make the truth sound better]… to exaggerate… to leave out important details in a story on purpose… to manipulate… to deceive…" because he was well aware of his sinful nature and did not want to be tempted do anything to offend God. That's why he also asked for just enough money--no more and no less than was actually needed--to provide for his family's needs.

If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary on these verses, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_7-9/.

* * * * *

Regarding riches and poverty, Albert Barnes' writes:

'The special dangers of the two extremes. Wealth tempts to pride, unbelief, and a scorn [scornful (contemptuous, mocking) attitude] like that of Pharaoh Exodus 5:2; poverty [tempts] to, dishonesty, and then to perjury [giving false testimony under oath, as in court], or to the hypocritical [false] profession of religion …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/proverbs-30.html, "Verse 9")

JUNE 29

Proverbs 29:15: "The rod [a thin, pliable (bendable) stick (like the small, flexible 'rod' that comes with mini blinds) used for punishment, as in spanking] and reproof [verbal correction when someone is doing wrong] give wisdom [to the person being disciplined]: but a child left to himself [or herself, referring to an undisciplined child, who is spoiled, neglected, or allowed to do what he (or she) wants to do] bringeth [brings] his [or her] mother to shame [i.e., humiliates or embarrasses her]."

_______________

In paragraph 3 of his commentary on the above verse, under the section entitled "But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame," Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church points out that:

"b. If a child becomes self-willed and leads a sinful life BECAUSE his parents did not train or discipline him (both verbally and physically with a rod), then shame on those parents!

"c. But we should note that sometimes, even with good training and good, consistent discipline, a child (who has a will of his own) will sometimes CHOOSE to reject all counsel and training.

"d. In that case, shame on the child, not the parents. They did what God commanded them to do. They are to be praised.

"e. A set of parents could have identical twins, give them both the exact same teaching and training, the same discipline, the same school, the same home, the same church, the same everything… and one could become a faithful missionary and the other could become a serial killer.

"f. There are no guarantees with kids--not when every human being has his own free will to make choices in life."

A little earlier in the commentary (paragraph C1d, last bullet), Pastor Delany cautions: "It is never ok to use the rod without the verbal [spoken] reproof and reasoning… assuming the child is old enough to reason with."

If you want to read the the commentary, here's the link:
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_15/.

JUNE 28

Proverbs 28:27: "He [or she] that giveth [gives] [money, assistance, etc.] unto the poor [people, meaning those who are poor through no fault of their own] shall not lack [blessings, and--for Christians--rewards in heaven]: but he [or she] that hideth [hides] his [or her] eyes [from, or willfully disregards/ignores the plight (unfortunate situation) of, poor people] shall have many a curse [from people and/or God] [including--for Christians--the loss of heavenly rewards]."

_______________

In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church says: "Our proverb encourages generosity towards the poor… and consequences for our action or inaction."

* * * * *

Here is an excerpt from the pastor's commentary:

"6. Often, people are living in poverty through NO FAULT of their own.

"a. A person may be in poverty because he happened to be born in a poor country--ruled by a dishonest and greedy dictator who abuses his power and keeps the nation's wealth for himself.

"b. A person may be in poverty because he became sick and unable to work, or perhaps his company fell on hard times and laid him off.

"c. There are lots reasons for poverty. We should not be quick to judge the poor until we have walked in their moccasins."

According to the commentary:

"7. This proverb encourages us to be generous in our giving to the poor. This principle is seen in every age [era, time period in history]."

-- For "Israel under LAW," the commentary includes Bible verses stating that we should "RELIEVE the poor," "DEFEND the poor," and "BE GENEROUS to the poor."

-- For the "Church under GRACE," Bible verses are included to show that we should "REMEMBER the poor," "DO GOOD," "SUPPORT the weak," "SEND RELIEF," "CONTRIBUTE," and "SHOW COMPASSION."

Regarding the phrase shall not lack, the commentary says:

"1. Here we see a slight dispensational distinction."

"2. Under the Law [of Moses], those who obeyed could expect blessings for obedience in this life."

"3. In the age of grace [i.e., now], we are also promised blessing for obedience and for giving to the poor. However, the blessing is not promised for this life but rather, heavenly rewards."

Similarly, the phrase shall have many a curse also has "dispensational ramifications (consequences)," which means that in the Old Testament, disobeying the law of Moses resulted in a cursed (trouble-filled) life on earth, and in the New Testament (the age of grace), it results in a loss of heavenly rewards.

If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_27/.

JUNE 25-27

According to the Bible, When Does Life Begin?

Speaking to the nation of Israel through Moses, God said:

Leviticus 17:10: "And whatsoever man [person] there be of the house [household] of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn [visit, stay] among you, that eateth [eats] any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his [or her] people.

Leviticus 17:11: "For the life of the flesh [the body] is in the blood: and I [God] have given it [the blood] to you upon the altar [via animal sacrifices] to make an atonement for your souls [referring to the temporary payment for sin in the Old Testament]: for it is the blood that maketh [makes] an atonement for the soul."

Leviticus 17:12: "Therefore I [God] said unto the children [people] of Israel, No soul [none] of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood."

Leviticus 17:13: "And whatsoever man [person] there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth [hunt] and catcheth [catch] any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he [or she] shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust."

Leviticus 17:14: "For it [the blood] is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I [God] said unto the children of Israel, Ye [you] shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh [all living beings] is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off [from among the people]."

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Although the above verses refer to the eating of blood in the Old Testament, they also tell us when life begins, for both animals and human beings. Since the Supreme Court just ruled that abortion is no longer legal in the United States, I thought it would be a good time to look up some information about the subject of abortion. (See below.)

* * * * *

When a baby's heart, blood vessels, and blood are formed is mentioned in an article about pregnancy, entitled "Stages of Development of the Fetus." This is what it says in the section entitled "Stages of Development of the Embryo":

"… Most organs begin to form about 3 weeks after fertilization, which equals 5 weeks of pregnancy (because doctors date pregnancy from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period, which is typically 2 weeks before fertilization). At this time, the embryo elongates [becomes longer], first suggesting a human shape. Shortly thereafter, the area that will become the brain and spinal cord (neural tube) begins to develop. The heart and major blood vessels begin to develop earlier--by about day 16. The heart begins to pump fluid through blood vessels by day 20, and the first red blood cells appear the next day. Blood vessels continue to develop in the embryo and placenta."

(Source: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/normal-pregnancy/stages-of-development-of-the-fetus)

* * * * *

In discussing the placenta in an article entitled "The Chemistry of the Blood," M.R. DeHaan, a well-known Bible teacher wrote:

"… The fetal [fetus's] and maternal [mother's] blood DO NOT COME INTO ACTUAL CONTACT. THEY ARE SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER …"

(Source: https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/BTP/Dr_MR_DeHaan/Chemistry/04.htm)

* * * * *

The fact that the blood of the mother does not normally come into contact with the blood of the fetus is confirmed in an article entitled "Placenta 101" under the heading "Essential Information," which states the following:

"The placenta is a flat, oval [oval-shaped] organ and is the place where maternal and fetal blood are brought into very close contact -- yet they do not mix -- so that the mother can supply oxygen and nutrients to the baby and at the same time remove waste products from the baby's blood."

(Source: https://www.ontariofetalcentre.ca/placenta-clinic/placenta-101/)

* * * * *

Here are some additional articles I found about abortion and birth control:

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

-- "Is abortion murder?"
     https://www.gotquestions.org/is-abortion-murder.html

-- "What is the Plan B morning-after pill?"
     https://www.gotquestions.org/morning-after-pill.html

-- "If aborted babies go to heaven, why is abortion wrong?"
     https://www.gotquestions.org/aborted-babies-heaven-2.html

-- "How should a Christian view the Roe v. Wade decision?"
     https://www.gotquestions.org/Roe-vs-Wade.html

-- "What does the Bible say about birth control? Should Christians use birth control?"
     https://www.gotquestions.org/birth-control.html

-- "What does the Bible say about permanent forms of birth control?"
     https://www.gotquestions.org/permanent-birth-control.html

JUNE 24

A sample prayer from Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet:

Jeremiah 17:14: "Heal me, O LORD [God], and I shall be healed [both physically (i.e., from illnesses, injuries, etc.) and spiritually (i.e., from temptation and sin)]; save me, and I shall be saved [from harm and from hell]: for thou art [you are] [the reason for and object of] my praise."

JUNE 23

The Results of Drunkenness and Gluttony

In these verses, King Solomon is giving his son some fatherly advice about drinking too much and overeating.

Proverbs 23:19: "Hear thou [listen], my son, and be wise [make wise decisions], and guide thine [your] heart in the [right] way [direction--mentally, emotionally, and spiritually]."

Proverbs 23:20: "Be not among [don't hang out with] winebibbers [alcoholics, drunkards--people who drink to excess]; [and don't be] among riotous eaters of flesh [gluttons--people who eat too much]:"

Proverbs 23:21: "[Stay away from those kinds of people] For [because] the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty [become poor]: and drowsiness [excessive sleepiness or laziness, especially due to drunkenness] shall clothe [dress] a man [or woman or child] with rags [old and torn clothing … because he (or she) won't be able to work to earn the money to buy nice things]."

_______________

Once again, King Solomon warns us to stay away from bad people, especially alcoholics and gluttons. That's because, as Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church points out in his commentary on these verses, "… Those you associate with WILL have an effect on you whether we want to admit it or not." And if you don't "… avoid the company of winebibbers and riotous eaters of flesh: you will end up poor, lazy, and dressed in rags."

* * * * *

Here are some excerpts from Pastor Delany's commentary on these verses:

Paragraph 1 of the section discussing the drunkard and glutton says:

"g. We can either LOVE God, or LUST after earthly things.
"• Solomon mentioned two types of earthly lusts (eating and drinking) because they are so common to man.
"• But there are MANY other things that we can lust after: material goods; the big house on the hill; boats; money; prestige; fame; fancy cars; fancy clothes; sex; drugs; pleasure; etc.
"• Just as food and drink are CONSUMED by the drunkard and the glutton, so all kinds of earthly things can be consumed by us with just as much lust and excesses.
"• This proverb is just as applicable to those who lust after 'other things' as it is to those who lust after food and wine."

Paragraph 2 of that same section says:

"e. Choosing to please self and live for pleasure eventually leads to poverty.
"• Living for selfish pleasure leads to poverty because lust is expensive.
"• Drugs and alcohol are expensive.
"• Going out to eat all the time in fancy restaurants is expensive.
"• Developing expensive tastes can bring a man to poverty …
"• Of course there is application to things other than food and drink. This applies just as well to clothing, shopping, buying cars, houses, and 1001 other things."

If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_19-21/.

JUNE 21-22

Proverbs 21:4: "An high look [i.e., haughtiness, arrogance, conceit], and a proud heart [pride], and the plowing of the wicked [people--men, women, and children] [referring to their hard hearts and everything that comes from them, especially bad intentions and actions, or evil schemes and deeds], is sin."

_______________

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Here are some excerpts:

"An High Look"

"4. The man with a 'high look' is an arrogant man whose pride is visible on his face… on the surface.

"a. You don't have to dig down very deep to discover pride in this man: it's written all over his face… in his body language. He is dripping with pride."

"And the plowing of the wicked…"

"e. Pharaoh [ruler of Egypt during the Exodus in the Old Testament] hardened his heart… and so do countless other wicked people.

"f. Solomon states that this condition is their fault. It's not 'just the way they are.' It is the result of a choice… like Pharaoh."

"Is SIN."

"a. Solomon mentions three aspects of the wicked--and he states that they are ALL sin (sinful).

"• Their arrogant look;
"• Their proud heart.
"• Their hardened condition.

"b. Everything about the wicked is sinful! [See Proverbs 21:4, 21:27, 28:9, 15:9, and 15:26.]

"c. Nothing wicked man can DO is pleasing in the sight of the Lord.
"• Nothing good can come from an unclean fountain.
"• All that comes forth is polluted in God's sight. They are full of sin themselves, and what they do is sinful.
"• They are so full of sin themselves, all that they do is sinful… self centered… either ignoring or outwardly in rebellion against Gods' authority…

"5. Prov. 16:18 -- Pride and arrogance leads to a spiritual fall.

"a. Dan. 4:30-33 -- Consider the arrogance of Nebuchadnezzar [king of Babylon] and how God dealt with him!

"b. Prov. 8:13 - Therefore, God fearing people should HATE pride and arrogance… and every manifestation [sign] of it.

"c. I Pet. 5:5-6 -- 'Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.'
"• God knows how to chop us down to size.
"• Don't put Him to the test… don't make Him have to do it!
"• How much better is it to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God… and HE will exalt us… in His way and in His time.
"• There is a lot in the book of Proverbs about pride. There is a good reason for it: we are full of it! We NEED to be reminded of our pride. It is our nature… it is an ever present enemy…
"• Those who exalt themselves shall be abased… destroyed… punished… knocked down! We need these reminders."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_4/.

* * * * *

Regarding the first part of Proverbs 21:4, another Bible commentary said:

"… The former [phrase; i.e., An high look] is a sign of the latter [phrase; i.e., a proud heart], and [they] commonly go together … sometimes there may be a proud heart under a disguise of humility; but the pride of the heart is often discovered by the look of the eyes …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/21-4.html, "John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

JUNE 20

Proverbs 20:20: "Whoso [whoever] curseth [curses, which, in this case (rather than 'swears at'), means belittles (puts down, treats as unimportant), disregards, insults, does not respect] his [or her] father or his [or her] mother, his [or her] lamp shall be put out [extinguished] in obscure [total, complete] darkness."

_______________

This is a proverb about rebellious children, who will probably treat other people in authority (teachers, bosses, police officers, etc.) the way they treat their parents and, as a result, will suffer the consequences of their attitudes and actions throughout their lives.

* * * * *

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

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

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

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

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

"i. The days of his life are likely to be short but not sweet."

In paragraph 5 at the end of the commentary, we learn that:

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

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

"d. If you DISHONOR them [your parents]… expect to have your lights put out… one way or another… sooner or later…"

If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_20/.

* * * * *

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

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

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

* * * * *

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

JUNE 19

Proverbs 17:6: "Children's children [i.e., grandchildren] are the crown [a symbol of honor and glory] of old men [which means that grandfathers usually glory in (rejoice over, take pride in) their grandchildren]; and the glory of children [or 'the people who usually bring delight (pleasure, joy) to children'] are their fathers [especially those who are kind and who love God and obey his word, as recorded in the Bible]."

_______________

In a perfect world, we could all be proud of and would appreciate our families and our heritage (i.e., things that we have inherited).

* * * * *

According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, "… This portion of the proverb basically says that old men usually glory in their grandchildren… and children usually glory in their fathers."

* * * * *

Here are some excerpts from Pastor Delany's commentary on today's Bible verse:

Regarding old men:

"5. The old men -- patriarchs [heads, leaders] of their families delighted to see their grandchildren

"a. They delighted to see them carry on the family name… the family reputation… to continue the tribe… the family business… to maintain the family farmland…

"b. They especially rejoiced to see wisdom manifested in their children and grandchildren."

"d. Thus wise children and wise grandchildren were especially delightful to old men… to grandpa! Something to glory in! A crown! It topped his long life with happiness and contentment."

Regarding children:

"c. To be fatherless [in the Old Testament] was considered an awful curse; to have a father was a delight… that was the norm [normal thing, accepted standard].

"d. Today, we have thousands of young boys and girls growing up without a father--for various reasons: parents are divorced; dad is in prison; drug or alcohol problems; death; etc."

Conclusion:

"5. In a sense, this passage speaks of a good kind of pride (glorying) that relates to our heritage.

"a. The old men referred to a grandfather or other patriarch… an ancestor.

"b. Children's children often referred to descendants in general (not grandchildren in particular).

"c. Hence, the passage speaks about a normal, natural sense of respect and delight one takes in his family, his tribe, his earthly heritage."

If you want to read more of the commentary, click here: www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_6/.

* * * * *

Today we celebrate another holiday
in America, so I want to wish a
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
to all of the wonderful dads in the
United States and around the world.

JUNE 18

Proverbs 18:7: "A fool's [big] mouth is [the reason for] his [or her] destruction [ruined life], and his [or her] lips [referring to the things that a person says] are the snare of [trap for] his [or her] soul."

_______________

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that a person's "foolish, thoughtless, arrogant, insensitive, careless, mean-spirited speech" can result in his or her ruin.

In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany gives examples of how the bad things that we do with our lips (lie, deceive, brag and boast, curse, threaten, blaspheme, gossip, etc.) have consequences--from something as minor as embarrassment to something serious, like being kicked out of school or having to spend time in prison. Speaking out in anger and making promises that we are unable or unwilling to keep can also get us in trouble.

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link:
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_7/.

JUNE 17

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ or You'll Die in Your Sins

When this took place, Jesus was teaching in the treasury, or women's court, which was a public place within the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He had just told the unbelieving Jews that they would die in their sins, and now he tells them why.

John 8:23: "And he [Jesus] said unto them [the Jewish people, including the scribes and Pharisees], Ye [you] are from beneath [referring to the earth]; I am from above [i.e., heaven]: ye are of this world; I am not of this world."

John 8:24: "I said therefore unto you [unbelieving Jews], that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he [if you don't believe that I (Jesus) am the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of the world and, as a result, you don't trust in me for salvation], ye shall die in your sins [and end up in the lake of fire with the people mentioned in Revelation 21:8--see note below*]."

_______________

*Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving [referring to unsaved sinners, or people who are not born again], and the abominable [extremely wicked, detestable people], and murderers, and whoremongers [people who engage in sexual intercourse outside of marriage], and sorcerers [participants in witchcraft], and idolaters [people who worship false gods], and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone [sulfur]: which is the second death."

* * * * *

If you don't want to die in your sins and spend eternity in the lake of fire, you must be born again.

Basically, this is what you must do:

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.

This is a very important decision, so please don't put it off.

Note: For detailed instructions on the plan of salvation, read one or more of the tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JUNE 16

Proverbs 16:29: "A violent man [an immoral and/or cruel person, especially if he (or she) enjoys hurting others,] enticeth [entices, tempts, lures, persuades] his [or her] neighbour [or friend, relative, acquaintance (whom the 'violent man' knows, but not very well), companion, etc.--in particular, one who is gullible or naive--see note below*] [to sin], and leadeth [leads] him [or her, meaning the 'neighbour'] into the way that is not good."

_______________

In this proverb, we are being warned to stay away from bad people and bad behavior. Consequently, we should avoid associating with the following types of people: gang members, troublemakers, rabble-rousers (see note below*), drug addicts, drug dealers, alcoholics, gamblers, loan sharks, robbers, adulterers, fornicators, etc.

* * * * *

In other words, according to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, "Do not be partakers of other men's sins."

If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary on this verse, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_29/.

* * * * *

*Word definitions, according to online dictionaries:

Gullible: Easily persuaded to believe something.

Naive: Too willing to believe that someone is telling the truth, that people's intentions in general are good, or that life is simple and fair.

Rabble-rouser: A person who speaks with the intention of inflaming the emotions of a crowd of people, typically for political reasons.

JUNE 15

Proverbs 15:3: "The eyes of the LORD are in every place [on earth and throughout the universe], beholding [watching, observing] the evil and the good [referring to 'bad' and 'good' people and the bad and good things that they do]."

_______________

It's impossible to hide the truth from Almighty God, who is omnipresent (present in all places at all times) and omniscient (all-knowing). In addition to seeing and hearing the things that humans normally see and hear, God is able to read the thoughts of everyone on earth, and he also knows everything that is being, and has been, said and done in secret.

* * * * *

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

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

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-15-index/proverbs-15_3/.

* * * * *

Regarding today's verse, Pastor Chuck Smith, wrote:

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

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

* * * * *

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

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

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

JUNE 14

Proverbs 14:7: "Go from the presence of [go away from] a foolish man [or woman or child], when thou perceivest not [you don't discern, observe, detect, sense] in him [or her] the lips [language, speech] of knowledge [understanding, wisdom]."

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What we need to do when we see a fool is to walk away (and/or stay away) from him or her.

* * * * *

Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, including examples of why we shouldn't associate with fools (in this case, referring to arrogant people who are not necessarily stupid but who refuse to listen and learn). It also tells us what to look for when meeting someone for the first time, because "… Fools don't normally introduce themselves as such. … They don't say, 'Glad to meet you. I'm your local fool.' … 'I hate wisdom; I despise authority; I'm immoral; I refuse correction, and I am headed for trouble. What's your name?'"

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-14-index/proverbs-14_7/.

* * * * *

Regarding the above verse, another Bible commentator said:

"Avoid the company and conversation of ungodly men, when they break forth into foolish or wicked discourses [discussions], lest thou either be infected by them, or seem to approve of them."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/14-7.html, "Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible")

JUNE 12-13

Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are abomination [a hateful, detestable, disgusting thing] to the LORD: but they [the lips] that deal truly [honestly, truthfully … or that tell the truth] are his [God's] delight."

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As usual, Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, including many examples of when and why people lie, how God feels about lying, and the types of people who are guilty of lying. Here are some excerpts:

"1. What does man think of lying?

"a. We often hear lies referred to as a 'little white lie'--as if it wasn't so bad…

"b. 'As long as it doesn't hurt anybody, who cares?'

"c. 'Sometimes the end justifies the means. It's OK to use a lie in order to accomplish a good end.' (If you can get somebody out of trouble; or save a few bucks; save face; prevent a fight… if some good can come out of it… why not?)

"d. 'Everybody does it…'

"e. 'My intentions were good…'

"f. Men are so accustomed to lies that they no longer seem like such a big deal. Politicians lie. Presidents lie. Lawyers lie. Even deacons and pastors have been caught in lies.

"g. Somehow, men have put the sin of lying into a kind of innocuous category… not quite so bad…

"2. What does God think about lying?

"a. It is an abomination to the Lord.

"b. Abomination:
"• Strong's defines it as 'a disgusting thing'.
"• Dictionary of Biblical Languages: that which is detested, abhorred, loathed, despised, degraded, i.e., have a hate or very strong dislike for an object, implying contempt; repulsive; vile; shameful.
"• Detestable

"c. Things God calls 'an abomination.'
"• Lev. 18:22 -- homosexuality
"• Lev. 18:23 -- bestiality [sex between a person an animal]
"• Deut. 7:26 -- idolatry is called an abomination
"• Deut. 17:1 -- offering a BLEMISHED sacrifice to the Lord (why?)
"• Deut. 17:3-4 -- worshipping the sun, moon, and stars
"• Deut. 18:10-11- children burnt on idols; witchcraft
"• Deut. 22:5 -- cross-dressing--wearing clothing of the opposite sex
"• Deut 23:18 - using money made through prostitution as a payment of a vow to the Lord in the holy place!
"• Prov. 15:8 -- the sacrifices of the wicked--religious hypocrisy
"• In this despicable camp God places 'lying lips.'"

"5. Could WE [believers, Christians] be guilty of abomination?"

"d. Let's be honest. We have ALL lied… stretched the truth… embellished [added extra details, especially if they are not true]… added to… subtracted from… purposely left out pertinent [relevant, important] details…half truths…"

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link:
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_22/.

JUNE 11

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

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We all need excellent advice before making important decisions.

* * * * *

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. It includes many examples of how wise counsel, or good advice, can help people succeed, plus reasons why people refuse to accept advice (mostly due to pride) and why getting advice from more than a few people at a time is a good idea.

* * * * *

According to Pastor Jim Delany, who wrote the commentary referred to above, sometimes it's sufficient to get advice from only one or two people. However, there are times when you need input from many more than that. Here is what he said in the last half of the commentary about having a multitude of counsellors:

"2. Multitude = abundance;

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

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

"c. Get GOOD advice. Ask spiritually minded people for help and guidance… folks who know God and who know His word [as contained in the Bible].

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

"e. If you are debating whether to go into business with Fred and you ask two people, you might get two different answers… and cause confusion and cloud up the issue.

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

"g. Two opinions might confuse the issue. A multitude may clarify matters considerably."

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-11-index/proverbs-11_14/.

JUNE 9-10

Everything Belongs to God

In this psalm, God is telling the people of Israel that, although he is pleased with their sacrifices, he doesn't really need those sacrifices and consequently is under no obligation to the people because of them (see note below*). He explains why:

Psalm 50:10-11: "For every beast [living animal] of the forest is mine, and [so are] the cattle [that roam] upon a thousand hills. I [God] know all the fowls [flying creatures--birds, insects, etc.] of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine." [In other words, all animals, both wild and domesticated (tame), belong to God.]

Psalm 50:12: "If I [God] were hungry, I would not tell thee [you, referring specifically to the Jewish people and also to everyone else]: for the world is mine, and [so is] the fulness thereof [i.e., everything that the world contains].
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The earth and everything in it and on it belong to God, who created them. Consequently, we must realize that we are dependent upon God, not the other way around.

* * * * *

*Concerning their sacrifices, Albert Barnes said:

"… a charge [an accusation] was brought against them [the people of Israel] … because they supposed that they laid God under obligation by so constant and so expensive offerings, as if they [the offerings] did not already belong to him, or as if he needed them; and because, while they did this [gave those offerings], they withheld the very offering which he required, and without which all other sacrifices would be vain [useless] and worthless - a sincere, humble, thankful heart."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-50.html, "Verse 8")

JUNE 8

In the following verse, "Lady Wisdom," or God's wisdom personified (speaking like a person--in this case, a woman), says:

Proverbs 8:17: "I love them that love me [Wisdom--or those who choose me over other things]; and those that seek me early [diligently, earnestly] shall find me [referring to those who keep looking for wisdom until they find it and have it]."

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According to Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church, love is a choice, and when we love Lady Wisdom, she will love us. This means that all godly people can be wise if that's what they want. All they have to do is sincerely pray and ask God for wisdom. As you can see from the above verse, the Bible promises us that he won't say no.

Also, in paragraph 7 at the end of his commentary on this verse, the pastor says, "It is GOOD for children to be taught to seek wisdom early. … Think of all the trouble and grief that could be avoided in life if our young people sought wisdom with all their hearts at a young age!"

If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary on this verse, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-8-index/proverbs-8_17/.

* * * * *

In addition to Pastor Delany's commentary mentioned above, I found two interesting articles on the Internet about wisdom. Here are their titles and links:

-- "What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-knowledge.html)

-- "Why is wisdom referred to as a she in Proverbs?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-she-Proverbs.html)

JUNE 6-7

In Most Cases, Avoid Co-Signing Loans

This was King Solomon's wise advice to his son:

Proverbs 6:1-2: "My son, if thou be surety for thy friend [if you have agreed to guarantee the payment of someone else's debt (for example, by co-signing a loan)], if thou hast stricken thy hand [if you shook hands to confirm a verbal agreement or if you signed a written agreement] with a stranger [such as a loan shark, bank, or other creditor] [to pay your friend's debt if he or she does not], Thou art [you are] snared [trapped, caught] with the words of thy [your] mouth, thou art taken [captive] with the words of thy mouth [the promises you have made]."

Proverbs 6:3-4: "Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself [yourself] [from your risky or improper financial obligation], when thou art come into the hand of thy friend [when you have agreed to become surety for that person's debt]; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend [in other words, plead for mercy--ask him or her to 'let you off the hook,' tear up the agreement, etc.]. Give not sleep to thine [your] eyes, nor slumber [rest] to thine eyelids [i.e., do it immediately--before going to bed]."

Proverbs 6:5: "Deliver thyself [yourself] [from financial bondage] as a roe [antelope, deer] [does when it attempts to escape] from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird [does when it tries to escape] from the hand of the fowler [someone who traps birds in a net]."

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Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on these verses. It tells how and why we may be tempted to co-sign a note, why it usually is a bad idea, and what to do instead. Here's an excerpt from the section entitled "THE SITUATION":

"3. Co-signing a note for a friend might appear to be quite generous and kind.

"a. There may be times when it IS the RIGHT thing to do. (Your son's first car… student loans…)

"b. But there are other times when it is a FOOLISH thing to do.
"· A casual friend at work who fell upon hard times…
"· A relative you know is irresponsible…
"· A teenager who needs a brand new Lexus [a high-quality, expensive car]…
"· A risky or questionable business deal…"

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-6-index/proverbs-6_1-5/.

* * * * *

In his commentary on Proverbs 6:3, James Burton Coffman wrote:

"… 'The refusal to be surety for a neighbor's debt does not mean heartless indifference to his needs.'… If one is able to help his distressed neighbor, let him do so willingly and generously; but to guarantee the payment of his debts is not only unnecessary, but exceedingly foolish …

"'Guaranteeing to pay someone else's debt may even be an unintended disservice to the recipient by exposing him to temptation, perhaps causing him to continue to live beyond his means.' … But even apart from that, being surety for another's obligation is contrary to the Word of God [as contained in the Bible]. It can, and often does, bring great sorrow and damage upon them that do it; and every Christian should heed this admonition [warning] …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/6-1.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

JUNE 5

According to the apostle John:

1 John 4:19: "We [Christians] love him [God], because he first loved us."

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Christians love God for many reasons, one of which is "because he first loved us."

* * * * *

Most children learn to love their earthly parents because the parents love their children and take care of them. Spiritually speaking, when sinners get saved, we become children of God. As a result, in addition to loving our earthly parents, born-again Christians learn to love God, who is now our heavenly Father and who loves us unconditionally (without strings attached, meaning without conditions or limits--like our earthly parents do) and who cares for us in a special way.

* * * * *

The article entitled "Is God's love conditional or unconditional?" explains why God's love is unconditional. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/unconditional-love.html.

* * * * *

While preaching a sermon on the above verse and love, Charles Spurgeon discussed backsliders and said:

"… Remember here that the motive power which draws back the backslider again, is the cord of love, the band of a man, which makes him feel he must go back to God with weeping and repentance, because God loves him still. What man among you this morning hath a son who has disobeyed him and gone from him, and is living in drunkenness, and in all manner of lust? If you have in anger told him, so that he doubts it not, that you have struck his name out of your family, and will not regard him as a child any longer, do you think that your severity will induce [persuade] him to return to you in love? Far from it. But suppose instead thereof, you still assure him that you love him; that there is always a place at your table for him, and a bed in your house for him, ay, and better still, a warm place in your heart for him; suppose he sees your tears and hears your prayers for him, will not this draw him? Yes, indeed, if be [he] be a son. It is even thus between thy God and thee [you], O backslider …"

In another sermon on the subject of love, Spurgeon mentioned his concern about judgmental Christians. He said:

"… When we are on our knees in prayer, I fear that when we are praying for the church we do not mean all that we say. We are praying for our church, our section of it. Now, he that loves Christ, if he be a Baptist, he loves the doctrine of baptism, because he knows it to be Scriptural; but, at the same time wherever he sees the grace of God to be in any man's heart, he loves him because he is a part of the living church, and he does not withhold his heart, his hand, or his house from him, because he happens to differ on some one point. I pray that the church in these days may have a more loving spirit towards herself. We ought to delight in the advance of every denomination. Is the Church of England rousing [waking up] from its sleep? Is she [that church] springing [rising] like a phoenix [a legendary bird that set fire to itself every 500 years and came back to life], from her ashes? God be with her [the Church of England], and God bless her! Is another denomination leading the van, and seeking by its ministers to entice [attract] the wanderer into the house of God? God be with it! Is the Primitive Methodist labouring in the hedge and ditch, toiling [working] for his Master? God help Him! Is the Calvinist seeking to uphold Christ crucified in all his splendours? God be with him! And does another man with far less knowledge preach much error, but still hold that 'by grace are ye saved through faith,' then God bless him, and may success be with him evermore [always]. If ye loved Christ better ye would love all Christ's church, and all Christ's people …"

(Source for both quotes: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/spe/1-john-4.html, "Verse 19")

JUNE 4

Through Moses, God told the people of Israel (and us):

Leviticus 19:16: "Thou shalt [you shall] not go up and down [the streets, or walk around] as a talebearer [or tattletale--a person who spreads gossip or rumors, reveals secrets, or 'spills the tea'] among thy [your] people: neither shalt thou [shall you] [take a] stand against the blood [the life] of thy neighbour [or 'another human being,' by testifying as a false witness or false accuser against someone (and perhaps sending an innocent person to jail), or by neglecting to speak up in defense of an accused person who you know is innocent, or by failing to help someone whose life is in danger]: [you should obey these commandments because] I am the LORD [your God]."

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God doesn't want us to be busybodies or false witnesses.

* * * * *

In his commentary on Leviticus 19, Matthew Henry points out that:

"VI. We are all forbidden to do any thing injurious to [or that will hurt] our neighbour's good name (v. 16), either, 1. In common conversation … Or, 2, In witness-bearing …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/leviticus/19.html)

JUNE 3

Trusting God for Wisdom and Guidance

This was King Solomon's advice to his son--and also to born-again Christians:

Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the LORD with all thine [your] heart [i.e., completely and sincerely, wholeheartedly]; and lean not unto [don't depend upon] thine own understanding."

Proverbs 3:6: "In all thy [your] ways [or 'in everything that you say and do'] acknowledge him [God; i.e., recognize his importance (by reading your Bible, praying for wisdom, etc.), and be aware of his presence and power], and he [God] shall direct thy paths [meaning he will guide you]."

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Once again, Salem Bible Church has excellent commentaries on these verses, including (for verse 5) many examples of things and people that we usually trust to be safe (such as chairs, cars, food, airplanes, elevators, doctors, etc.). Some of them may let us down, but God never will.

In the section entitled "In All Thy Ways," the commentary for verse 6 says (in part):

"c. We make grandiose [ambitious] plans--and perhaps well thought out plans… but what about God? What does HE want us to do? Sometimes praying is the last thing we resort to--long after the plans are already made! We simply pray and ask God to bless what we have determined we are going to do. That is not acknowledging God."

"e. Are you looking for a new job? Considering buying a new house? Thinking of changing careers? Thinking of serving in the choir? Considering quitting a ministry? Looking for a mate [spouse, partner in marriage, husband or wife]? A Pet? A new doctor? Thinking of putting up a church building? Let's not leave God out!"

If you want to read one or both of the commentaries, here are the links:

-- Verse 5: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-3-index/proverbs-3_5-6/

-- Verse 6: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-3-index/proverbs-3_6/

JUNE 2

Proverbs 2:6: "For the LORD giveth [gives] wisdom [as much as is needed] [to everyone who really wants it, searches for it, and asks for it]: out of his [God's] mouth [via the Bible] cometh [comes] knowledge and understanding."

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We get true wisdom by asking God for it (through prayer) and by studying and obeying his word (as recorded in the Bible).

* * * * *

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. It's combined with verses 7-9. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-2-index/proverbs-2_6-9/.

JUNE 1

Using Our Experience to Help Others

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

2 Corinthians 1:3: "Blessed be [praise and thanks go to] God, [who is] even [also] the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [and who is also] the Father of mercies [compassion], and the God of all comfort [because he gives us strength and support in times of weakness, danger, anxiety, illness, pain, etc.];"

2 Corinthians 1:4: "Who [referring to God] comforteth [comforts] us in all [of] our tribulation [affliction, distress, suffering], [so] that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the [same] comfort wherewith [by which] we ourselves are comforted of [by] God."

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When God answers our prayers, protects us, and helps us with our troubles (illness, pain, sorrow, etc.), we can use our own experiences to help other people in similar situations.