12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.

I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.

I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.

JULY 30-31

Lessons From Nature (in this case, creatures that are small but wise)

Proverbs 30:24: "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding [exceedingly, very] wise:"

Proverbs 30:25: "The ants are a people not strong [they're weak], yet they prepare their meat [gather their food] in the summer [to eat in the fall and spring, since they sleep during the winter] [in other words, they plan ahead, like Joseph did, during Bible times, when he stockpiled grain in Egypt for seven years of famine];"

Proverbs 30:26: "The conies [small animals, similar to rabbits, large mouse-like creatures, or groundhogs, that evidently don't dig] are but a feeble [weak and helpless] folk, yet make they their houses in the [little caves (holes) and crags (rough, jagged sections) of] rocks;"

Proverbs 30:27: "The locusts [flying grasshoppers] have no king [or leader], yet go they forth all of them by bands [in orderly groups, like armies];"

Proverbs 30:28: "The spider taketh [takes] hold [of walls, etc.] [and also spins webs] with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above verses teach that "wisdom is superior to [or more important than] strength." His Bible studies on the book of Proverbs contain commentaries on each of those verses. Their links are as follows:

-- Ants (Proverbs 30:24-25): https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_24-25/

-- Conies (Proverbs 30:26): https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_26/

-- Locusts (Proverbs 30:27): https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_27/

-- Spiders (Proverbs 30:28): https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_28/
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Here are excerpts from each of the above commentaries:

In the commentary on verse 25, we learn the following things about ants:

"1. Ants are wise enough to plan ahead."

"2. Ants are wise enough to take personal responsibility."

"3. Ants are wise enough to be diligent [hard-working]."

"4. They [the ants] are wise enough to seize [take advantage of] a window of opportunity."
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The commentary on verse 26 tells us what conies are (i.e., a type of rabbit) and what lessons we can learn from them:

"1. Don't be proud and foolish; be humble and wise."

"2. Acknowledge our own spiritual weakness. Have no confidence in our flesh [our natural tendencies]."

"3. Take refuge in the ROCK that God has provided for us [in other words, stay close to Jesus because he is a place of safety for us]."

"4. Stay close to the Rock [i.e., Jesus]."

"5. Turn your weaknesses into strength by resting in the ROCK of Ages."

"6. Don't lament [regret] your weakness. See it as an opportunity to rely upon the infinite [unlimited] power of God."

"7. There is no need to fear our enemies when we take refuge in God's provision for safety."

"8. We too have an enemy [Satan] that is much stronger than we are. But when we rest in the safety of our Rock of Ages [Jesus], we are safe and secure and nothing can harm us."

"9. Don't trust in self [ourselves] and assume that we can handle our adversary [enemy--Satan] on our own."

"10. Thank God for the 'cleft of the Rock' He has provided [which refers to Jesus as a place of shelter]."

"11. Today, it is also true among humans, that the unclean creature (a sinful man) who runs to [Jesus] Christ in faith will find safety and security in Him… our Rock of Ages."
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In the commentary on verse 27, we learn some interesting facts about locusts:

"3. Locust swarms devastate [destroy] crops and cause major agricultural damage. (information taken from the National Geographic.)

"a. This often causes human misery--famine [an extreme shortage of food] and starvation. They [locusts] occur in many parts of the world, but today locusts are most destructive in sustenance farming regions of Africa [i.e., where people grow food to feed their families].

"b. The desert locust is notorious [or 'has a bad reputation']. Found in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, they [the locusts] inhabit some 60 countries and can cover one-fifth of Earth's land surface. Desert locust plagues may threaten the economic livelihood of one-tenth of the world's humans.

"c. A desert locust swarm [a very large group of locusts] can be 460 square miles in size and pack between 40 and 80 million locusts into less than half a square mile (one square kilometer).

"d. Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day, so a swarm of such size would eat 423 million pounds of plants every day.

"e. When they [the locusts] connect up with a wind current, they can fly over 300 miles in one night!"
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And here (from paragraph 6 of the commentary on verse 27) are the lessons that we (members of the local church) can learn from locusts:

"a. … they function as a unit… with orderly divisions."

"b. They function in great order."

"c. When the serotonin [a brain chemical] is released, it causes the locusts to be extremely social and to stay close to each other."

"d. They [the locusts] function as a unit for the good of the whole swarm."

"e. They [the locusts] function as an army on a mission."

"f. They [the locusts] are small and weak individually, but when they swarm almost nothing can stop them."

"g. They realize that there is strength in unity [being united]."

"h. And they do so [act united] without a king or ruler."
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In the commentary on verse 28 (toward the end, under "Applications), Pastor Delany summarizes the above verses (24-28) as follows:

"d. All four of the "small but wise" creatures have lessons to teach us.
"• They all teach us that our perceived [recognized] disabilities (small; weak; etc.) need not be cause for defeat. If we use the abilities God has given us wisely, we can do quite well--in spite of our infirmities [physical or mental weaknesses].
"• The ant is small but stores food for the winter; their foresight [planning] and diligence [steady, earnest, and energetic effort] makes up for their weakness.
"• The coney is small and weak but lives in rocks which provide protection against larger and stronger predators [animals that might eat them]; his wise choice of the rocks makes up for what he lacks [does not have] in strength.
"• The spider is small and [is] generally hated--yet they reside [live] in palaces. The spider can't jump like a grasshopper; he can't fly like a bird; but he does know how to make 'rope' and uses it for his advantage. He is not big and strong but he does have a fascinating and effective means of transportation. He gets around quite well considering his so called disability.
"• Prov. [Proverbs] 22:29 -- The spider is diligent [hard-working] and ends up in king's palaces. We could learn from her diligence.
"• All of these creatures do very well.
"• They do not gripe [moan, groan], complain, or fret [worry] over the qualities they don't have; instead they use to the fullest the qualities they do have.
"• And as a result, they have plenty to eat; they are safe from their enemies; and they live in beautiful dwellings. They have food; shelter; and safety. They have all their needs met. What more could they want?
"• God takes care of them [the ants, conies, locusts, and spiders]. He will take care of us.

"e. We would do well to learn from these little creatures."

Another Bible commentator, James Burton Coffman, summarized Proverbs 30:24-28 as follows:

"We should not overlook the lesson here. Although the creatures mentioned here are very small and weak, God has endowed [provided, equipped] them with instinctive wisdom that perpetuates them [or keeps them in existence or keeps them alive]. In contrast with that, man himself, who is also week [weak] and small, has been endowed with reason [the ability to think, understand, and form judgments] and intelligence; and if he would be guided by true wisdom `from God' as faithfully as these exceedingly small creatures [i.e., the ants, conies, locusts, and spiders] are guided by what God gave them, the happiness and continuity of man would be prolonged [extended for a long time]."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/30-24.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

JULY 28-29

King David wrote this psalm:

Psalm 139:4: "For there is not a word in my tongue [either spoken or unspoken, or 'there is nothing I can say'], but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether [you know all about it; in other words, God knows the true meaning of everything that we say and think--see comments below]."
You may be able to mislead (deceive, trick, fool) people, but you can't fool God!
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This chapter of Psalms proves that God is omniscient, which means he knows everything about us, including the things that we think, say, and do. The above verse deals with things that we say.

In his commentary, Matthew Henry explains Psalm 139:4 as follows:

"… 'Thou knowest me, and all I say (v. 4): There is not a word in my tongue, not a vain [useless] word, nor a good word, but thou knowest it altogether, knowest what it meant, from what thought it came, and with what design [intention, purpose] it was uttered [spoken]. There is not a word at my tongue's end, ready to be spoken, yet checked and kept in [or 'unspoken'], but thou knowest it.' When there is not a word in my tongue, O Lord! thou knowest all (so some read it); for thoughts are words to God …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/139.html, "Verses 1-6")

Regarding the phrase thou knowest it altogether at the end of Psalm 139:4, Albert Barnes says:

"… Merely to 'hear' what is spoken does not imply necessarily a full knowledge of what is said - for it may be false, insincere, hypocritical. God knows exactly what is said and what is 'meant.'"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-139.html, "Verse 4")

JULY 27

Agreement in Prayer

Regarding the subject of prayer, especially in relation to church discipline and guidance in organizing and running the Christian church, which was mentioned in previous verses of this chapter of Matthew, Jesus told his disciples (or, in this case, the apostles):

Matthew 18:19: "Again I [Jesus] say unto you [apostles], That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching [concerning, regarding] any thing that they shall ask [in prayer], it shall be done for them of [by] my Father [God] which is in heaven."

Matthew 18:20: "For [because] where two or three [believers, born-again Christians, saved people] are gathered together [either in person or online (for example, via Facebook, You Tube, or Zoom] in my [Jesus'] name [to worship God, as in church services, at prayer meetings, etc.], there am I [Jesus, in their hearts, in Spirit form] in the midst [middle] of them."
According to the Bible, these are some of the requirements for answered prayer. You must:

-- Be born again, or saved (per John 9:31)

-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in God's sight (per 1 John 3:22).

-- Not have unconfessed sins in your life (per 1 John 1:9).

-- Pray to God in faith (per James 1:6-7).

-- Pray in accordance with God's will (per 1 John 5:14-15).

-- Pray "in Jesus' name" (per John 14:13-14).

Would you like to be born again (saved from hell) and receive God's gift of eternal life?

Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him (through prayer, either silently or out loud) to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
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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.

JULY 26

Judging Others, Hypocrisy

Jesus addressed the above two subjects during his Sermon on the Mount (of Beautitudes, which was a hill in northern Israel).

Matthew 7:3: "And why beholdest thou [why do you behold, see, notice, focus on] the mote [small particle, splinter] that is in thy [your] brother's [or sister's or someone else's] eye, but [you] considerest not [don't consider] the [wooden] beam [a long, heavy piece of squared timber] that is in thine [your] own eye?" [In other words, why do you criticize the faults (or sins) of other people while ignoring your own, even greater, faults (or sins)?]

Matthew 7:4: "Or how wilt thou [will you] say to thy brother [or another person--relative, neighbor, enemy, friend, etc.], Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?"

Matthew 7:5: "Thou hypocrite [or 'you who are engaging in the same behaviors that you condemn others for'], first cast out the beam out of thine own eye [get rid of your own problems first]; and then shalt thou [you shall] [be able to] see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye [which means that you'll be able to give other people good advice]."
Charles Spurgeon summarized the above verses as follows:

"… Sin we may rebuke [or 'we may rebuke (criticize) sin'], but not if we indulge [give in to or also become involved in] it. We may protest against evil, but not if we willfully practice it [ourselves] …"

(Source: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/spe/matthew-7.php, "Verses 1-8")

Concerning hypocrites, I found an excellent quote from GotQuestions.org:

"It must be noted that hypocrisy is not the same as taking a stand against sin. For example, it is not hypocrisy to teach that drunkenness is a sin, unless the one teaching against drunkenness gets drunk every weekend--that would be hypocrisy."

That statement was in paragraph 7. If you want to read the entire article ("What does the Bible say about hypocrisy?"), here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-hypocrisy.html.

JULY 23-25

Beware of Alcohol -- Even "Social Drinking" Can Lead to Addiction

Proverbs 23:31-32: "Look not thou upon [don't look with desire at] the wine when [or because] it is red [see note below*], when it giveth [gives] his colour [color] [or 'when it sparkles'] in the cup, when it moveth [moves] itself aright [evenly or smoothly, as when it is poured into a glass or is swirled in a glass]. At the last [drink; or in the end, after you drink the wine; or the consequences of drinking wine are that] it biteth [bites] like a serpent [snake], and stingeth [stings] like an adder [a venomous (poisonous) snake]."
In other words, don't let the inviting appearance of wine fool you. Simply looking at a glass of wine (or other type of alcoholic beverage) may cause you to yield (give way) to temptation (to drink it) and become drunk and end up doing bad things.

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that when a person drinks wine (or any other type of alcoholic beverage, including liquor, beer, and mixed drinks), "The initial pleasure is short lived [only lasts a short time], but the consequences can seem to last forever."
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In his commentary on verses 31-35 (see link below), Pastor Delany  lists many of the ways that getting drunk can adversely [negatively, or in a harmful way] affect your life, and at the end of the commentary, he states that:

"1. [King] Solomon did not beat around the bush in describing alcohol. No one should ever read this chapter [Proverbs 23] and wonder what he [Solomon] thought about it [i.e., alcohol]!

"a. Vs. 20 [Proverbs 23:20] - Don't associate with winebibbers [habitual drinkers of alcohol].

"b. Vs. 29 [Proverbs 23:29] - It [alcohol] produces woe [great sorrow or distress], contentions [disagreements, arguments], babblings [foolish or nonsensical talk or chatter], wounds [injuries], bloodshot eyes.

"c. Vs. 31 [Proverbs 23:31] - Don't even look at it [alcohol]!

"d. Vs. 32 [Proverbs 23:32]  - It [alcohol] is appealing [inviting], but in the end, it bites like a poisonous snake.

"e. Vs. 33 [Proverbs 23:33] - It causes you to lust after [or have a strong sexual attraction to] immoral women and causes you to utter perverse [or 'say bad'] things.

"f. … it [alcohol] makes you sick [Proverbs 23:34] and it is addicting [Proverbs 23:35].

"2. [Pastor Delany speaking:] It never ceases to amaze me how many believers [Christians] CLAIM that the Bible does not forbid [prohibit] alcohol, and that [drinking] it is a matter of liberty [freedom] and choice."

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_31-35/.

Regarding alcohol, one Bible commentator wrote:

"… The very nature [basic features] of alcohol is a strong argument against the drinking of any of it. The burning liquors of the present day are far more deadly and dangerous than were those of antiquity [the distant past, as in Bible times]. 'Social drinking easily turns into alcoholism; why then should people practice that which so rapidly enslaves hundreds of thousands [of people]'? … Alcoholism is not a disease; it is the result of drinking; and in the history of the world no one ever became an alcoholic without drinking! It should be noted that nothing in the Word of God [i.e., the Bible] either recommends or tolerates 'moderate drinking.' 'Moderate drinking' is a myth circulated by the liquor companies. 'Moderate drinking' is only one of the earlier stages of becoming a drunkard."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/23-31.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

*In Bible times, the best wine was red and was sometimes called 'the blood of the grape.'

JULY 21-22

Proverbs 21:24: "Proud and haughty [arrogant, conceited] scorner [mocker] is his [or her] name, [referring to the person] who dealeth [deals] in proud wrath [or 'who has outbursts of anger and rage resulting from pride']."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, people with explosive tempers that are set off on a regular basis (sometimes daily), as opposed to people who occasionally get mad, need to take anger management classes rather than medication (medicine), as the problem is due to sin (specifically, pride), not sickness. We should stay away from these types of people.
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Pastor Delany has more to say in his commentary on the above verse. Here are some excerpts:

"b. The point is that this [i.e., proud wrath] is more than just an occasional failure.
"• We ALL lose our tempers on occasion [occasionally, once in a while].
"• We have all blown up [or had outbursts of temper] at one time or another. Perhaps many times over a period of years.
"• But Solomon is not talking about someone who has a normal struggle with anger.
"• The man he describes here has a REAL problem with anger… with proud wrath.
"• He DEALS with proud anger. He conducts his life this way. It is part of his lifestyle. It is how he deals with anyone or anything that crosses him.
"• If you do something he doesn't like, you will experience his proud wrath.

"c. Prov. 13:10 -- This kind of proud wrath continually leads to contention [disagreements, arguments]. This man LIVES in the midst [middle] of contention because he brings it with him everywhere he goes.
"• We all know this man--we've all met this type.
"• Sometimes we get angry back at them. In reality, we should rather PITY them. They are pitiful, wretched [miserable], unhappy creatures.
"• They are constantly losing their friends and their jobs. Because they have no control over their anger, they blow up at everyone. Theirs is an equal opportunity wrath [anger]. They blow up at enemies and friends. They blow at the policeman who dares to stop them for speeding. They blow up at the teacher who has the audacity [boldness, courage] to call them [out] on their behavior. They blow up at their boss… and the president of the company.
"• It's not a happy life they live.
"• At the root [or 'the source'] of it all is PRIDE."
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Farther down in the commentary, it says:

"d. A haughty person believes he is the greatest and that the world revolves around him… or at least that it should, if it were functioning properly.

"e. For this man, life is [always] about me, myself, and I. Those are his three best friends. (Usually his only friends!)"
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Near the end of the commentary, it says:

"e. Prov. 22:10 -- What's the best way to deal with an irascible [quick-tempered, easily angered], unrepentant scorner?
"• Cast [throw] him out! Tough love is required with this 'syndrome.'
"• Why so harsh? Because he won't listen.
"• The only thing this person will listen to is having to deal with the pain and suffering that he brings on himself.
"• Don't coddle him [don't treat him in an indulgent (permissive, tolerant) or overprotective way]. Don't bail [help] him out. Cast him out.
"• That's God's cure for this disorder."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_24/.

JULY 19-20

Holy Spirit -- The Best "Prayer Partner" That a Person Can Have!

In Chapter 8 of Romans, the apostle Paul tries to encourage believers by discussing some of the benefits of being a Christian. One is the promise that all saved people will live in heaven someday, and another is the fact that we can count on the Holy Spirit to help us pray, as is confirmed by the following verses:

Romans 8:26: "Likewise [like the things that were discussed in previous verses--see Note 1 below] the [Holy] Spirit also helpeth [helps] our infirmities [weaknesses, especially during prayer--see Note 2 below]: for we [born-again Christians] know not [don't know] what we should pray for as we ought [or 'as is necessary'] [i.e., we don't always know how to pray in the proper way]: but the [Holy] Spirit itself maketh [makes] intercession [to God] for us [by assisting (aiding, helping) and guiding us, especially when we pray] with groanings [i.e., inward sighs and moans due to deep-felt emotions] which cannot be uttered [spoken, or expressed in words]."

Romans 8:27: "And he [God] that searcheth [searches] the hearts [of Christians] knoweth [knows] what is the mind of the Spirit [of God, which means that God the Father knows what desires the Holy Spirit has instilled (produced) in our hearts], because he [the Holy Spirit] maketh intercession for the saints [meaning he helps born-again Christians pray] according to the will of God."
According to the Bible, God has promised to answer our prayers when we obey him and pray in accordance with his will. The Holy Spirit helps us do both of those things.

NOTE 1:

Mark Dunagan ended his commentary on Romans 8:27 with the following points (each of which I started on a separate line to make them easier to read):

"… So far [in Chapter 8 of Romans,] Paul has encouraged us to endure the sufferings of the present time because:

"(1) Heaven is worth it, by far … no comparison.

"(2) The Whole Creation is in sympathy with us and we are not the only ones suffering. Everyone and everything suffers and feels the effects of living in a world cursed by sin …

"(3) Redemption of the physical body is coming, just hang on! …

"(4) While in the body [or 'while the Christian is alive'], the [Holy] Spirit ensures that God gets every bit of the desire in the heart of the Christian, even if it's unexpressed or poorly expressed …

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dun/romans-8.html, "Dunagan's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 27")

NOTE 2:

Regarding the infirmities mentioned in Romans 8:26 above, Charles Spurgeon said:

"… Want of memory, want of faith, want of earnestness [sincerity], ignorance, pride, deadness, coldness of heart, -- these are some of our infirmities; but, thank God, we have the omnipotent [all-powerful] Spirit of God to help us …"

(Source: https://truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/spe/romans-8.php, "Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible," "Verses 26-39")

Two Bible commentators made additional comments about these verses (Romans 8:26,27).

Charles Spurgeon said:

"These groanings [mentioned in Romans 8:26] are too deep, too full of meaning to be expressed in words. There are some things the Christian wants for which he cannot ask; perhaps he does not even know what it is that he wants. There is a vacuum in his heart, but he does not know what would fill it. There is a hunger in his spirit, but he knows not what the bread is, nor where the bread is, that can satisfy his wants. But the Holy Ghost can articulate [clearly express] these unuttered [unspoken] groans, and the deepest needs of our soul can thus be brought before God by his own Spirit. You, then, who find it difficult to pray, do not give up praying. The devil tells you that such poor prayers as yours are can never reach the ear of God. Do not believe him. The Spirit helps your infirmities: and when he helps you, you shall, you must prevail [win, or be victorious]."

(Source: https://truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/spe/romans-8.php, "Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible," "Verses 26-39")
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And Dr. Thomas Constable said:

"The Father [God] understands the [Holy] Spirit's intercession for the saints [Christians] even though we do not hear it. We can know that His intercession is effective in securing God's help for us because the Spirit prays in harmony [agreement] with God's will.

"Thus God Himself by the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid [assistance] whenever we need help. He also assures us in His Word [i.e., the Bible] that we will get assistance from [God] the Father. The consequence of this promise should be that when we feel frustrated about our inability to pray about a particular need we can relax. We can have confidence that our compassionate God understands just how we feel and what we want, and He will respond according to His will …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/8-27.html, "Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable")

JULY 17-18

God Creates Adam and Eve

In Genesis 1:1, we're told that God created heaven and earth.

The process of creation, including a day of rest, took a total of seven days. According to the Bible, this is what happened on Day 6:

Genesis 1:26: "And God [the Father] said [to the other two persons of the Godhead--God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit)], Let us make man [mankind, human beings] in our image, after our likeness [i.e., consisting of three parts (body, soul, and spirit), like the three members of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), referred to as the Trinity]: and let them [the people] have dominion [authority, control] over the fish of the sea [both large and small in size, including whales, fish, sharks, etc.], and over the fowl of the air [such as birds, bats, and flying dinosaurs], and over the cattle [and sheep and goats], and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing [such as insects, worms, and reptiles] that creepeth [creeps or crawls] upon the earth."

Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him [referring to Adam, the first man]; male and female created he them [i.e., Adam and his wife, Eve (the first human beings)--see verses quoted below*]."
*According to the Bible, God created Adam first (from the dust of the ground, per Genesis 2:7), and then he created Eve (from Adam's rib, per Genesis 2:21-22).

Note: Things that were created on Days 5 and 6 are listed in detail in the following articles:

-- "What did God create on the fifth day of creation?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/what-did-God-create-on-the-fifth-day.html)

-- "What did God create on the sixth day of creation?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/what-did-God-create-on-the-sixth-day.html)

JULY 16

Psalm 9:17: "The wicked [referring to people who are morally bad, both in principle (i.e., the rules, beliefs, or ideas that guide them) and in practice (what they do)] shall be turned into [or sent to] hell [a place of torment], and [so will] all the nations [throughout the world, referring to the people in them, both 'bad' and 'good'] that [who] forget [about] God [and consequently don't honor him (through praise and worship, etc.--see note below*) and obey his word, as recorded in the Bible]."
The GotQuestions.org article entitled "What does it mean to honor God?" tells us that:

"… The Bible shows many ways to honor and glorify God. We show Him high regard and reflect His character by being sexually pure (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), by giving of our income (Proverbs 3:9), and by living lives devoted to Him (Romans 14:8). It is not enough to merely honor Him outwardly. God desires honor that comes from our hearts. 'The Lord says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me"' (Isaiah 29:13). When we delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), seek Him in everything we do (1 Chronicles 16:11; Isaiah 55:6), and make choices that reflect the place He has in our hearts, we bring Him the greatest honor."

(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/honor-God.html)

JULY 14-15

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

1 Corinthians 10:13:  "There hath [has] no temptation [an urge or desire to do something bad--illegal, immoral, unwise, or wrong] taken [hold of] you but such as is common to man [mankind, all people]: but God is faithful [trustworthy], who will not suffer [allow] you to be tempted above [beyond] that [which] ye [you] are able [to resist]; but [he--God] will with the temptation also make a way to escape [the temptation], [so] that ye may be able to bear [withstand, endure] it [the temptation, without being overcome by it]."
Commenting on the above verse, Mark Dunagan wrote:

"Points to Note:

"1. God never places us in a no-win situation, in which the only way out is to commit sin. There are no 'greater sin-lesser sin' moral dilemmas [difficult situations, tough choices]. There is ALWAYS A NON-SINFUL WAY TO ENDURE [withstand, go through] THE TRIAL.

"2. You will never be faced with a temptation that requires 'superhuman' effort to endure.

"3. Every time we sin, we have demonstrated a lack of faith in God, for we refused to look for or take the way of escape. Sin is always our fault.

"4. Since a way of escape always exists in every temptation, we can never BLAME anything or anyone else for our own moral failures.

"5. Unfortunately, many want the 'way of escape' to be easy. When it comes to temptation, many [people] are waiting for some 'feeling' to overwhelm [overcome] them, which will magically remove all desire to give in. Rather, the way of escape is always through our ability to endure.

"6. A way of escape, when it comes to idolatry is given in the next verse [1 Corinthians 10:14; i.e.]. 'Flee'!

"7. God is not the source of temptations [as stated in James 1:13], but rather He monitors all temptations …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dun/1-corinthians-10.html, "Dunagan's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 13")

In his commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:13, Brad Price wrote:

"… It may be helpful to consider these additional points about God's faithfulness and our temptations:

"Ø God knows each Christian's abilities to bear temptations and He will not let us be burdened by too much.

"Ø Though God's promise of an escape is true, at times we may think God has failed to provide one [i.e., an escape]. Many [people] are like Job (they complain their sufferings are unjust [unfair] or too great).

"Ø Individuals make up the church (a large body of people), but this verse [1 Corinthians 10:13] tells us that God can and does deal with and care for His people individually.

"Ø Satan is limited by two things: God's power and our resistance to temptation.

"Ø We can be tempted to do what is wrong and/or not do what is right.

"Ø If we do not escape a temptation, we cannot blame the failure on God ( James 1:13-14).

"Ø Christians ought to [or 'should'] diligently [conscientiously and persistently] pray for deliverance from temptation.

"Ø Never think a temptation 'is too difficult to avoid' or we 'never have a choice.'

"Ø Think of the long term consequence of accepting a temptation instead of the 'short term benefit' of sin (compare Hebrews 11:25).

"Ø Remember that what tempts us also tempts others. Be wary [careful] of thinking or saying, 'No one understands what I am going through' or 'My situation is unique [unlike any other].' The world changes, but temptations basically stay the same ( 1 John 2:16).

"Ø Recognize that temptation will come and try to be prepared for it ( Ephesians 6:11-18).

"Ø When we fail to avoid temptation, immediately recognize the failure and confess it to God ( 1 John 1:9).

"Ø Satan [i.e., the devil] is a master tempter. He is a deceiver [someone who misleads or fools you] ( 2 Corinthians 11:3), a liar and murderer ( John 8:44), and a thief ( John 10:10).

"Ø Age will not do away with temptation. Temptations may change with time, but their severity [seriousness] is sometimes not altered [changed] by old age …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bpc/1-corinthians-10.html, "Living by Faith: Commentary on Romans & 1 Corinthians," "Verse 13")

JULY 13

Proverbs 13:12: "Hope [the desire for something good to happen] deferred [postponed] maketh [makes] the heart [feel] sick [or sad or hopeless, because when we don't get what we had hoped for--and want--right away (or not at all), we are disappointed and can become discouraged (and sometimes even angry)]: but when the desire cometh [comes] [referring to a 'good' thing being realized, as when our prayers are finally answered and/or our desires are fulfilled], it is a tree of life [a source of joy]."
Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse. It is filled with examples of hope and hope deferred. Here are some of them:

Section A - "Hope":

"3. We all have hopes… hopes that keep us going… hopes of a better tomorrow…

"a. hopes for our kids… to have wisdom; to walk with the Lord [or 'in obedience to God']; to make sensible decisions; to turn out right; to find a godly spouse; to do well in their careers [occupations, jobs]…

"b. hopes for this assembly [referring to Pastor Delany's congregation, but the comment is applicable to any Christian church]… for unity; growth; spiritual strength;

"c. hopes for the salvation of souls… friends; family; neighbors; spouse; co workers;

"d. hopes for doing well at school…

"e. for promotion at work…

"f. hopes of finding a mate [spouse, husband or wife]…

"g. for others, their hope is having a baby…

"h. for buying a house… to fix up a house; to pay off a house…

"i. for losing weight…for getting physically fit… for a disease to remain in remission…

"j. for finishing college… for landing a good job

"k. for restoring a broken relationship…

"l. Hope for a backslidden believer [Christian] to return to the Lord…

"m. hopes for getting victory over a besetting [persistent, troublesome] sin…

"n. Hopes for getting out of debt…"
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Section B - "Hope Deferred":

"3. Examples of hope deferred…

"a. We had our heart set on getting that big promotion at work… and Fred got the job instead of you…

"b. We had hoped and dreamed that this certain relationship would develop into marriage… and our hopes are dashed [destroyed]… she goes off with someone else…

"c. We had hoped for our son to do well at college, and after his first year he quits…

"d. We had hoped that this new medication [medicine] would put our disease into remission--only to discover that it didn't work and the disease has returned…

"e. We had hoped that our wayward [headstrong, stubborn] son would return to the Lord, but instead he moves in with his girlfriend and becomes a Unitarian [member of a type of church that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity]…

"f. Perhaps a woman had longed to have a child and is told that she will not be able to…

"g. We had hoped to pay off our loans and get out of debt, but another huge, unexpected expense comes along…

"h. All too often in life we discover that the things we had such bright and vibrant hope for… after time, seem so elusive [hard to find]."

If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-13-index/proverbs-13_12/.

JULY 12

Regarding fear, Jesus said this to his disciples (followers):

Luke 12:6: "Are not five sparrows [little birds] sold [in Bible times] for two farthings [small coins of little value, or not worth much], and not one of them [referring to the sparrows] is forgotten before [or 'unnoticed or not cared for by'] God?"

Luke 12:7: "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered [given a number] [by God]. Fear not [don't worry] therefore: [because] ye [you] are of more value [to God] than many sparrows."
All Christians are very important to God. He watches over us and is interested in everything that we think, say, and do.

JULY 11

While preaching the "Sermon on the Plain" (see note below*) Jesus said:

Luke 6:31: "And as ye [you] would [want, desire] that men [other people] should do to you, do ye also to them likewise [the same]."
In other words, we should treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves (for example, with kindness).

Rephrased slightly (i.e., "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"), the above verse, which is similar to Matthew 7:12, is commonly known as the Golden Rule.
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In his commentary on Matthew 7:12, Albert Barnes said:

"… This command [i.e., 'Do unto others …'] has been usually called the 'Saviour's [Jesus'] golden rule,' a name given to it on account of its great value. All that you 'expect' or 'desire' of others in similar circumstances, do to them. Act not from selfishness or injustice, but put yourself in the place of the other [person], and ask what you would expect of him. This would make you impartial [unbiased], candid [truthful], and just [or 'fair']. It would destroy avarice [greed], envy, treachery [betrayal of trust], unkindness, slander [making false and damaging statements about someone], theft, adultery, and murder …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-7.html, "Verse 12")
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GotQuestions.org has written some articles about the Golden Rule. Here are the links for two of those articles, in case you want to read one or both of them:

-- "What is the Golden Rule?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Golden-Rule.html)

-- "What does the Bible say about how you should treat others?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/how-you-treat-others.html)

*An article that answers the question "What is the Sermon on the Plain?" can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Sermon-on-the-Plain.html.

JULY 10

This comment was contained in a letter that the apostle Peter wrote to Christians, but it's good advice for non-Christians as well:

1 Peter 4:15: "But let none of you suffer [punishment] as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's [people's] matters."
Don't do the things that are listed in the above verse (i.e., kill, steal, do bad things, interfere in other people's business), and you won't have to worry about being punished for them.

In his commentary on the above verse, Albert Barnes says:

"… If you must be called to suffer, see that it be [or 'is'] not for crime …"

He describes busybody as "one who busies himself with what does not concern him; that is, one who pries into the affairs of another [or who tries to find out something that is none of his (or her) business]; who attempts to control or direct them [the other person's 'affairs'] as if they were his own."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-peter-4.html, "Verse 15")

JULY 9

Speaking to the nation of Israel through his prophet Amos, God said this:

Amos 3:3: "Can two [people--in this case, referring to God and 'man,' or mankind (human beings)] walk together [comfortably, as friends], except they be agreed [or 'unless they are in agreement']?"
In the above verse and those that follow, Israel was being warned that unless they repented and obeyed God's commandments, they would no longer be protected and blessed by God but, instead, would be punished by him. Today, we hear politicians routinely (but not as much as they used to) end their speeches with, "May God bless the United States of America," … but he won't do that, because, as a nation, we're just as bad as rebellious Israel was in Bible times.

In Amos 3:11, Amos continues God's warning with this: "Therefore thus saith [says] the Lord GOD; An adversary [enemy] there shall be even round about [or 'around'] the land; and he shall bring down thy [your] strength from thee [you], and thy palaces shall be spoiled [destroyed]."

Comparing the Old Testament Israelites to people of our current day and age, James Burton Coffman wrote:

"… Aside from the viewpoint of basic humanism [see note below*] regarding the oppression of the poor [people], most 'modern men' find nothing at all wrong with the conduct of the Israelites. Such vices [immoral or wicked behavior] as drunkenness, adultery, fornication, idol-worship, neglect of religious duty, etc., are merely 'doing what comes naturally.' Despite the unawareness of the terrible sinfulness of sin which characterizes our own generation to a degree rivaling [being equal or comparable to], we fear, that of ancient Israel itself, God still rules in the kingdom of men; offenses against God will be severely punished; and nations that forget God shall be turned to destruction, regardless of whether or not 'modern man' believes it. Ancient Israel did not believe, nor did any other of the eight nations confronted by the judgments of Amos' prophecy [i.e., Damascus (Syria), Gaza (Palestine), Tyre (Lebanon), Edom (Jordan), Moab (Jordan), Ammon (Jordan), Judah (Judea), and Israel]; but where are any of those nations now? …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/amos/3-3.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

*According to the online Oxford dictionary, humanism is "an outlook or system of thought attaching prime [the greatest] importance to human rather than divine [godly, from God] or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational [reasonable, logical] ways of solving human problems."

JULY 7-8

Why Nobody Can be Saved by "Good Works"

James 2:10: "For whosoever [whoever] shall keep [obey] the whole law [referring to God's moral law, as found in the Ten Commandments--see note below*], and yet offend in one point [by violating even one commandment], he [or she] is guilty of [breaking] all [of it (the law) or 'all of them' (those commandments)]."

James 2:11: "For he [God] that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou [you] commit no [or do not commit] adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art [you are or have] become a transgressor [violator] of the law [which makes you both a lawbreaker and a sinner]."
*You are probably already familiar with most of the Ten Commandments. If not, they are listed and explained in the following article: "What are the Ten Commandments?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Ten-Commandments.html.

Albert Barnes has an excellent commentary on James 2:10. In part, it says:

"He is guilty of all - He is guilty of violating the law as a whole [or 'the whole law,' meaning all of it], or of violating the law of God as such; he [God] has rendered [made] it impossible that he [the person violating the law] should be justified and saved by the law. This does not affirm [declare] that he is as guilty as if he had violated every law of God; or that all sinners are of equal grade because all have violated some one or more of the laws of God; but the meaning is, that he is guilty of violating the law of God as such; he shows that be has not [or 'does not have'] the true spirit of obedience; he has exposed himself to the penalty [punishment] of the law, and made it impossible now to be saved by it. His acts of obedience in other respects, no matter how many, will not screen [protect] him from the charge of being a violator of the law, or from its penalty. He must be held and treated as a transgressor [lawbreaker] for that offence, however upright [honorable] he may be in other respects, and must meet the penalty of the law as certainly as though he had violated every commandment.

"One portion [part] of the law is as much binding as another [part is], and if a man violates any one plain commandment, he sets at nought [nothing] the authority of God. This is a simple principle which is everywhere recognised [recognized], and the apostle [James] means no more by it than occurs every day. A man who has stolen a horse is held to be a violator of the law, no matter in how many other respects [ways] he has kept it [the law], and the law condemns him for it. He cannot plead [use] his obedience to the law in other things as a reason why he should not be punished for this sin; but however upright he may have been in general, even though it may have been through a long life, the law holds him to be a transgressor, and condemns him. He is as really condemned, and as much thrown from the protection of law, as though he had violated every command. So of [or 'the same would be true for'] murder, arson [starting fires], treason [being disloyal to one's country, as in trying to overthrow the government], or any other crime. The law judges a man for what he has done in this specific case, and he cannot plead in justification of it that he has been obedient in other things.

"It follows, therefore, that if a man has been guilty of violating the law of God in any one instance, or is not perfectly holy, he cannot be justified and saved by it [the law of God], though he should have obeyed it in every other respect, any more than a man who has been guilty of murder can be saved from the gallows [a place where criminals are hanged] because he has, in other respects, been a good citizen, a kind father, an honest neighbor, or has been compassionate to the poor [people] and the needy [ones]. He cannot plead his act of truth in one case as an offset to the sin of falsehood [lying] in another; he cannot defend himself from the charge of dishonesty in one instance by the plea that he has been honest in another; he cannot urge the fact that he has done a good thing as a reason why he should not be punished for a bad one. He must answer for the specific charge against him, and none of these other things can be an offset against this one act of wrong. Let it be remarked, also, in respect to our being justified by obedience to the law, that no man can plead before God that he has kept all his law except in one point. Who is there that has not, in spirit at least, broken each one of the ten commandments? …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 10")

Regarding the concept [idea] of "breaking one commandment means breaking them all" in James 2:10, another commentator said:

"… 'Our obedience to God"s will cannot be on a selective basis; we cannot choose that part that is to our liking and disregard the rest. God"s will is not fragmentary [fragmented, incomplete]; the entire law is the expression of His [God's] will for His people; it constitutes a grand unity [or 'a whole thing']. To break out one corner of a window pane is to become guilty of breaking the whole pane [sheet of glass]. He who crosses a forbidden boundary at one point or another is guilty of having crossed the [entire] boundary.' …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/james/2-10.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")

In other words, God's commandments are connected, like links in a chain that make up his law. If you break one link, the entire chain is broken.

Note: According to the Bible, the only way to get to heaven is through faith (in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay for our sins), not through good works (or good deeds) (Ephesians 2:8-9), which means that if we want to go to heaven someday, we must be saved, or "born again."
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If you want to be saved but don't know what to do, you'll find detailed instructions for the plan of salvation in most 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.

JULY 6

Christians Shouldn't Fear Death

In a letter to the Christian church at Corinth, while discussing the subject of death, the apostle Paul wrote:

2 Corinthians 5:6-7: "Therefore we [born-again Christians] are always confident [cheerful, courageous], knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body [or 'while our souls reside in our bodies here on earth'], we are absent from the Lord [Jesus Christ, and away from his presence]: (For we walk [through life] by faith, not by sight:) "

2 Corinthians 5:8: "We [Christians] are confident, I [Paul] say, and willing rather to be absent from the body [or 'to die'], and to be present with the Lord [in heaven] [which, as Paul says in Philippians 1:23, is 'far better']."
In other words, born-again Christians should enjoy life, but we should not fear death, because the Bible promises, and (through faith) we know, that when we die, we'll be in heaven with the Lord.

The above sentiment [thought] is expressed very well in the beginning words of a famous gospel song: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through …"

-- To hear Jim Reeves sing that song ("This World Is Not My Home," written by Albert E. Brumley), click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ndMZqT6i4I.

-- And to see the words to the song, click here: https://hymnary.org/text/this_world_is_not_my_home_im_just_a?extended=true.

James Burton Coffman, a Bible commentator, wrote:

"… Confidence in the fundamental [essential] Christian truth that 'No matter what may happen to my body, absolutely nothing can happen to ME!' is the basis of true Christian courage …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-corinthians/5-6.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

JULY 5

James 4:17: "Therefore to him [or her] that knoweth [knows] to do good [rather than evil, especially when it involves doing good things to and for, and being kind to, others], and doeth [does] it not [or does not do it], to him [or her] it is sin."
In other words, if a person knows what is right and doesn't do it (also known as a sin of omission), he or she is just as guilty of sinning as the person who knows that something is wrong or bad and does it anyway (also known as a sin of commission).
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Note: GotQuestions.org has in-depth articles about the sins of omission and commission. Here are their titles and links:

-- "What is a sin of omission?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-of-omission.html)

-- "What is a sin of commission?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-of-commission.html)

JULY 4

Why We Should Obey the Law

1 Peter 2:13-14: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man [or 'mankind'; in other words, obey all laws, as long as they are not in conflict with (or in opposition to) the law of God--do it] for the Lord's sake [because God has required it]: whether it be [in the form of obedience] to the king [leader of the people], as supreme [highest in rank or authority]; Or [obedience] unto governors [people who run the government], as unto them that are sent [or appointed] by him [referring to the 'king,' or person who is highest in command, or to God] for the punishment of evildoers [criminals], and for the praise of them that do well [or do right, referring to people who obey the law]."

1 Peter 2:15: "For so [it] is the will of God, that with well doing ye [you] may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men [and women] [see note below*]:"

1 Peter 2:16: "[Do this (i.e., 'Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man')] As [being] free [spiritually--from bondage (from being a slave) to Satan and sin], and not using your [Christian] liberty [referring to your freedom in Christ, or salvation,] for a cloke [cloak] of [or cover for] maliciousness [a feeling of hatred for others along with a desire to hurt them, through words and/or deeds or actions], but as the servants of God."
It is the duty of everyone, not just Christians, to obey their country's laws and constitution.

*According to Albert Barnes, regarding 1 Peter 2:15:

"… One of the best ways of meeting the accusations of our enemies [that we have done something illegal or wrong] is to lead a life of strict integrity [or to have high moral principles]. It is not easy for the wicked [people] to reply to this argument."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-peter-2.html, "Verse 15")

JULY 1-3

Ephesians 5:11: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness [don't participate in sinful behavior, stay away from sinful things (activities, deeds, actions)], but rather [instead] reprove [express disapproval of, criticize, correct, expose] them."
Concerning how people might fellowship with the "unfruitful works of darkness," here are some examples given by three Bible commentators who were quoted in "The Biblical Illustrator":

COMMENTATOR 1:

"Renunciation [rejection] of evil ways

"1 Those in whom there is the light of [God's] grace and true knowledge [i.e., born-again Christians] must not walk in evil works, nor communicate in them.

"(1). Not to have fellowship in sin is not to be an agent [ot representative] in sin, in whole, alone, or in part with others, neither in greater or less measure [amount] to live in it.

"(2) Not to be accessory unto [or 'an assistant to'] the sins of others; as

"(a) By provoking to sin.

"(b) By commanding.

"(c) By counselling.

"(d) By consenting [agreeing].

"(e) By carelessness to prevent sin.

"(f) By not repressing [suppressing] sin when it has entered.

"(g) By applauding [praising] sin.

"(h) By not testifying [giving evidence] against sin …"

COMMENTATOR 2:

"Avoidance of sinful works

"… 1. That we must have no fellowship with them [the sinners] in evil [deeds]. To understand that, we must consider how many ways we have fellowship with them [i.e., 'the works of darkness'].

"(1) If we do the same things that others do.

"(2) If we be accessory to the sins of others, which we may be many ways."(a) If we counsel, persuade, allure [attract], or entice [tempt, bribe] others to sins. These are Satan's decoys, who being ensnared [trapped] themselves, draw others into the net.

"(b) By commanding that which is evil. This is the sin of those [people] that have power over others; as David commanded Joab to set [put] Uriah [Bathsheba's husband] in the forefront [on the front lines] of the hottest battle [fiercest fighting], and retire [withdraw] from him [or 'leave him alone'], [so] that he may be smitten [struck with a weapon] and die (2 Samuel 11:15).

"(c) By consenting [giving permission], though we be not the principal actors [most important people]; as Ahab (1 Kings 21:19).

"(d) By abetting [encouraging], aiding, and assisting [helping] in the conveyance [carrying out] of the sin; as Jonadab assisted Amnon in getting an occasion to satisfy his lust [strong sexual desire] on his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:5).

"(e) By applauding, approving, or praising the sin, which is the guise [disguise] of flatterers (Romans 1:32).

"(f) By carelessness to prevent the sin: "I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity [sin] which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile [deliberately wicked and morally worthless], and he restrained [controlled] them not [or 'did not control them']" (1 Samuel 3:13). So that a culpable [blameworthy] omission may make us accessory [accomplice, partner] to their sin …"

COMMENTATOR 3:

"The child of light and the works of darkness

"I. What is forbidden. "Fellowship." This may be produced in several ways.

"1. By personally committing the sins described, or by joining with others in bringing them [the sins] about.

"2. By teaching wrong-doing, either by plain word or by just inference [reasoning, as in making 'an educated guess'].

"3. By constraining [compelling, forcing], commanding, or tempting; by threat, request, persuasion, inducement, compulsion, bribery, or influence.

"4. By provoking, through exciting anger, emulation [the desire to match or surpass a person or achievement], or discouragement.

"5. By neglecting to rebuke [express sharp criticism or disapproval of someone's behavior], especially by parents and masters [rulers and other people in charge] misusing their office, and allowing known evils in the family.

"6. By counselling, and advising, or by guiding by example.

"7. By consenting, agreeing, and cooperating.

"8. By conniving at [or 'overlooking'] sin: tolerating, concealing [hiding], and making light of it [i.e., treating it as unimportant].

"9. By commending [praising], countenancing [allowing], defending, and excusing the wrong [actions that are] already done; and contending against [or 'struggling with'] those [people] who would expose [uncover, reveal], denounce [condemn], and punish it …"

(Source for the above three quotes: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/ephesians-5.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 11")

Matthew Henry added:

"… There are many ways of our being accessary [accessory, or 'partner in crime'] to the sins of others, by commendation [praise], counsel, consent [permission], or concealment. And, if we share with others in their sin, we must expect to share with them in their plagues …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/ephesians/5.html, "Verses 3-20," "v. 11")

Albert Barnes said this:

"… But rather reprove them - By your life, your conversation [what you say], and all your influence. This is the business of Christians. Their lives should be a standing rebuke of a sinful world [referring to the sinful actions of the people of the world], and they [the Christians] should be ever [always] ready to express their disapprobation [strong disapproval] of its [the 'world's']  wickedness in every form."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/ephesians-5.html, "Verse 11")

And here's one more quote:

"… How are we to reprove the unfruitful workers and works of darkness?

"Two ways:

"1. By our lips [i.e., by what we say]; [speaking] with plainness, but yet with prudence [wisdom, cautiousness]; with faithfulness, but yet with meekness [gentleness, humility]; in reproof never use sharp words, if soft words will serve the turn [or 'serve the purpose'].

"2. With our lives; … a holy life is a visible and daily reproof given both to sin and sinners."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/wbc/ephesians-5.html, "Burkitt's Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the NT," "Verse 11")