Notes from Linda:
12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
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December 2022
DECEMBER 26-31
The Wise Men Come to Bethlehem with Gifts for Jesus
Matthew 2:1-2: "Now when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men [probably more than three--see Note 1 below] from the east [most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran] to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews [i.e., Jesus]? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Matthew 2:3-4: "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled [worried], and [so were] all [of the people of] Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them [or 'asked them'] where [Jesus] Christ should be born."
Matthew 2:5-6: "And they [the chief priests and scribes] said unto him [King Herod], [The Christ child will be born] In Beth-lehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet [Micah, in Micah 5:2], And thou Beth-lehem, in the land of Juda [Judah], art [are] not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee [you] shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."
Matthew 2:7,8: "Then Herod, when he had privily [privately] called the wise men, enquired [asked] of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go and search diligently [carefully, persistently] for the young child; and when ye [you] have found him, bring me word again, [so] that I may come and worship him also [that wasn't true--Herod was lying]."
Matthew 2:9-10: "When they [the wise men] had heard the king, they departed [went away from] [Jerusalem]; and, lo, the star [of Bethlehem--see Note 2 below], which they saw in the east, went before them, till [until] it came and stood over where the young child [Jesus] was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
Matthew 2:11: "And when they were come into the house [not 'stable'], they saw the young child [Jesus] with Mary his mother, and fell down [on the ground], and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh [see Note 3 below]."
Matthew 2:12: "And being warned of [by] God in a dream that they should not return to [King] Herod, they [the wise men] departed into [returned to] their own country another way."
Matthew 2:13: "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth [appeared] to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [get up], and take the young child and his mother, and flee [run away] into Egypt, and be thou [you be, or stay] there until I bring thee [you] word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
Matthew 2:14-15: "When he [Joseph] arose, he took the young child [Jesus] and his mother [Mary] by night, and departed into Egypt: And [he--Joseph (and his family)] was there until the death of Herod: [so] that it might be fulfilled [that] which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet [Hosea], saying [in Hosea 11:1], Out of Egypt have I [God] called my son."
Matthew 2:16: "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of [ridiculed, or made fun of, by] the wise men, was exceeding wroth [very angry], and sent forth [soldiers], and slew [killed] all the children that were in Beth-lehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men."
Matthew 2:17-18: "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy [Jeremiah] the prophet [in Jeremiah 31:15--see Note 4 below], saying, In Rama [Ramah, a town near Bethlehem] was there a voice heard, lamentation [cries of grief], and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not [alive]."
Matthew 2:19-20: "But when [King] Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth [appeared] in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life [referring to King Herod and his men]."
Matthew 2:21,22: "And he [Joseph] arose, and took the young child [Jesus] and his mother [Mary], and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither [there]: notwithstanding, being warned of [by] God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:"
Matthew 2:23: "And he [Joseph--and his family] came and dwelt [lived] in a city called Nazareth: [so] that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He [Jesus] shall be called a Nazarene [see Note 5 below]."
The fact that no one knows for sure how many wise men there actually were is explained in the following article: "What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/three-wise-men.html.
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NOTE 2:
GotQuestions.org has an interesting article that answers the question "What was the star of Bethlehem?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/star-of-Bethlehem.html.
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NOTE 3:
The meaning of each of the wise men's gifts is detailed in the following article: "Why did the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus?" You can find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/gold-frankincense-myrrh.html.
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NOTE 4:
Jeremiah's prophecy as applied to the murder of little boys under the age of two in Bethlehem is explained in the article entitled: "How does Jesus fulfill the prophecy that begins 'a voice was heard in Ramah' (Matthew 2:18)?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/voice-heard-in-Ramah.html.
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NOTE 5:
"What prophecy is Matthew 2:23 referring to regarding Jesus being a Nazarene?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-2-23-Jesus-Nazarene.html.
DECEMBER 25
The Birth of Jesus Was Accompanied by Fear, Joy, and Praise to God
Luke 2:6-7: "And so it was, that, while they [Mary and Joseph] were there [in the stable in Bethlehem], the days were accomplished that she [the virgin Mary] should be delivered [of her child, meaning it was time for her pregnancy to end]. And she brought forth [gave birth to] her firstborn son [Jesus], and wrapped him in swaddling clothes [see note below*], and laid him in a manger [a feeding trough for horses and cattle]; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:8: "And there were in the same country [i.e., Judea, the area around Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph had gone to be taxed,] shepherds abiding [dwelling, living, residing] in the field, [taking turns] keeping watch over their flock [of sheep] by night [to prevent them from straying (wandering) and to protect them from wild animals and thieves]."
Luke 2:9: "And, lo, the angel of the Lord [perhaps Gabriel] came upon [stood over or appeared to] them [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord [an extremely bright light] shone round about [around] them: and they were sore afraid [frightened, terrified, filled with fear]."
Luke 2:10-11,12: "And the angel said unto them [the shepherds], Fear not [don't be afraid]: for, behold, I bring you good tidings [news] of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David [i.e., Bethlehem] a [referring to the promised and long-awaited] Saviour, which is [Jesus] Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you [shepherds]; Ye [you ] shall find the babe [baby, infant, newborn child] wrapped in swaddling clothes, [and] lying in a manger."
Luke 2:13-14: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude [large number] of the heavenly host [angels] praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heavens], and on earth peace [because Jesus' future death on the cross to pay for 'the sin of the world' (as stated by John the Baptist in John 1:29, meaning all of the sins of everyone in the world) would make it possible for us to have peace with God and with one another], [and also, on earth,] good will toward men [mankind, all human beings]."
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The reason Mary wrapped her son in swaddling clothes is explained in the following article: "What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/swaddling-clothes.html.
DECEMBER 24
Before Jesus is Born, Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem to be Taxed
Luke 2:1-3: "And it came to pass in those days [when the virgin Mary was pregnant], that there went out a decree [an official order] from Caesar Augustus [the Roman emperor], that all the world [referring to everyone in the land of Palestine] should be taxed [see note below*]. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all [of the people] went to be taxed, every one into his own city."
Luke 2:4-5: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David [i.e., where King David was born], which is called Beth-lehem; (because he [Joseph] was of the house and lineage of David [meaning he was a descendant of King David]:) [he went there] To be taxed with Mary his [fianceé, or] espoused [soon-to-be] wife, being great with child [meaning she was in the last stage of pregnancy]."
"… Our word 'tax' means to levy and raise money for the use of the government. This is not the meaning of the original word here. It means rather to 'enroll' or take a 'list' of the citizens, with their employments [jobs], the amount of their property, etc., equivalent to what was meant by census …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/luke-2.html, "Verse 1")
DECEMBER 23
Names of (or Descriptive Titles for) Jesus and Their Meanings
Following his vision of future events, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah wrote this about the birth of the Savior:
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us [both the Jewish people and everyone else in the world,] [for our benefit,] a child [named Jesus] is born [of (to) the virgin Mary], [and] unto us a son [the Lord Jesus Christ--Son of God (or God the Son) and Messiah] is given [by God the Father, to become a sacrifice for the sins of the world (i.e., Jesus' reason for coming to earth was to die on the cross to pay for our sins, save us from hell, and purchase the gift of eternal life)]: and the government shall be upon his [Jesus'] shoulder [because he will eventually be crowned King]:
and his [Jesus'] name shall be called
Wonderful [because he will inspire wonder, amazement, and adoration due to the circumstances surrounding his birth, death, resurrection, and everything that he'll do throughout his life],
Counsellor [because he will have great wisdom and consequently will be highly qualified to guide and direct the entire human race],
The mighty God [because he will be both human and divine (i.e., fully God and fully man); in other words, he'll be 'God in the flesh'--see note below*],
The everlasting Father [because he will rule over his people forever],
The Prince of Peace [because he will be the true source of peace, meaning peace with God, and peace with people]."
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Wonderful-Counselor.html)
-- "What is the meaning of "Everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Everlasting-Father.html)
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Prince-of-Peace.html)
DECEMBER 22
While Pregnant With Jesus, Mary Visits Her Cousin Elizabeth
This took place soon after the virgin Mary was informed by the angel Gabriel that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah (God's Son, Jesus). At the time, Elizabeth was six months pregnant with John the Baptist (see note below*).
Luke 1:39-40: "And [the virgin] Mary arose [started out on a journey] in those days [i.e., during her early pregnancy], and went into the hill country [of Judea, or Judah] with haste [quickly], into a city of Juda [probably, the city of Hebron]; And entered into the house of Zacharias [Elizabeth's husband], and saluted [greeted] [her cousin] Elisabeth."
Luke 1:41-42: "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation [greeting] of Mary, the babe [baby, referring to Elizabeth's unborn child, who would later be called John the Baptist] leaped in her [Elizabeth's] womb [uterus]; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]: And she spake out [cried out, exclaimed] with a loud voice, and said [to Mary], Blessed art thou [blessed (and to be honored) are you] among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy [your] womb [referring to baby Jesus]."
Luke 1:43-44,45: "And whence is this to me [Elizabeth] [or 'why is it'], that the mother of my Lord [referring to Mary, who was the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ] should come to [visit] me? For, lo [take note:], as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine [my] ears, the babe [my baby (John)] leaped in my womb for joy. [This was not a normal 'kick' from an unborn child.] And blessed [happy] is she [referring to Mary] that believed [the angel Gabriel]: for there shall be a performance [fulfillment] of those things which were told [to] her [Mary] from the Lord [i.e., that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God]."
Luke 1:46-47: "And Mary said, My soul doth [does] [or 'I do'] magnify [praise] the Lord [God], And my spirit hath [has] rejoiced in God my Saviour [referring to Mary's soon-to-be firstborn child, Jesus, who was (and is and always will be) the Messiah and Savior of the world]."
"… From these expressions of Elizabeth [i.e., 'blessed is she that believed,' in Luke 1:45,] we may learn:
"I.That the spirit of prophecy had not entirely ceased [ended] among the Jews.
"II.That the Holy Spirit is the source of light, comfort, and joy.
"III.That everything about the birth of Jesus was remarkable, and that he must have been more than a mere man.
"IV.That the prospect of the coming of the Messiah was one of great joy and rejoicing to ancient saints; and,
"V.That it was a high honor to be 'the mother' of him that should redeem [die to save] mankind.
"It is from 'that honor' that the Roman Catholics have determined that it is right to worship the Virgin Mary and to offer prayers to her - an act of worship as idolatrous as any that could be offered to a creature [created being]. Because:
"I.It [worshiping Mary] is not anywhere commanded in the Bible.
"II.It is expressly forbidden to worship any being but God, [as stated in] Exodus 34:14; Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:13-14; Isaiah 45:20.
"III.It is idolatry to worship or pray to a creature.
"IV.It is absurd [ridiculous] to suppose that the Virgin Mary can be in all places at the same time to hear the prayers of thousands [of people] at once, or to aid [assist, help] them. There is no idolatry more gross [outrageous], and of course more wicked, than to worship the creature more than the Creator, Romans 1:25."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/luke-1.html,"Verse 45")
DECEMBER 21
Joseph Discovers That His Fiancée (the Virgin Mary) is Pregnant
Matthew 1:18: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise [in this manner]: When as his [Jesus'] mother [the virgin] Mary was espoused [engaged to be married] to Joseph, before they came together [sexually, as husband and wife], she was found [to be] with child of the Holy Ghost [meaning she was found to be pregnant with baby Jesus, whom the Holy Spirit had created (formed) in her womb (uterus)]."
Matthew 1:19: "Then Joseph [who was] her [Mary's] [future] husband, being a just [or kind, tender, merciful] man, and [because he was] not willing to make her a publick [public] example [meaning he didn't want to embarrass Mary, humiliate her publicly, or cause her harm--see note below*], [he] was minded [had decided] to put her away [or 'separate himself from her'] privily [privately] [by breaking off their engagement]."
Matthew 1:20,21: "But while he [Joseph] thought on [about] these things, behold, the angel of the Lord [probably Gabriel] appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou [you] son [descendant] of [King] David, fear not [don't be afraid] to take unto thee [yourself] Mary [as] thy [your] wife: for that [baby] which is conceived in her is of [by] the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth [give birth to] a son, and thou shalt [you shall] call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people [referring, at that time, to the Israelites, or Jewish people] from their sins [which was Jesus' main reason for coming to earth]."
Matthew 1:22,23: "Now all this was done, [so] that it might be fulfilled [brought about] [that] which was spoken of [by] the Lord [God] [and prophesied] by the prophet [Isaiah, in Isaiah 7:14], saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Matthew 1:24-25: "Then Joseph being raised from sleep [having been awakened] did as the angel of the Lord had bidden [instructed] him, and took unto him [Mary as] his wife: And knew her not [did not have sex with her] till [until after] she had brought forth [given birth to] her firstborn [child, a] son: and he [Joseph] called his [the baby's] name JESUS."
"… Adultery has always been considered a crime of a very heinous [evil or wicked] nature. In Egypt, it was punished by cutting off the nose of the adulteress [the woman who had committed adultery]; in Persia, the nose and ears were cut off; in Judea, the punishment was death by stoning … This punishment was also inflicted [used] where the person was not married, but betrothed [engaged] … In this case, therefore, the regular punishment would have been death [for Mary] in this painful and ignominious [disgraceful, shameful] manner. Yet Joseph was a religious man - mild and tender [gentle and kind]; and he was not willing to complain of her [Mary] to the magistrate [someone who administers the law, like a judge], and expose her to death, but sought to avoid the shame, and to put her away privately."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-1.html, "Verse 19")
DECEMBER 20
Exciting News for the Virgin Mary: She Was Chosen to Give Birth to God's Son
When Elisabeth was six months pregnant with John the Baptist, an angel was sent to the city of Nazareth to deliver an important message to Elisabeth's cousin Mary, a virgin who was betrothed to (engaged to marry) a man named Joseph.
Luke 1:30-31: "And the angel [Gabriel] said unto her [the virgin Mary], Fear not [don't be afraid], Mary: for thou hast [you have] found favour [favor] with God. And, behold, thou shalt [you shall] conceive [a child] in thy [your] womb [uterus] [which meant that she would become pregnant], and bring forth [give birth to] a son [who is the promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world], and [you] shalt [shall] call his name JESUS [meaning 'Jehovah (the Lord) is Salvation']."
Luke 1:32,33: "He [Jesus] shall be great [in word and deed, power, wisdom, influence, etc.], and shall be called the Son of the Highest [or 'the Son of God']: and the Lord God shall give unto him [Jesus] the throne [kingdom] of his [earthly] father [referring to Jesus' ancestor, King] David [note: Mary and Joseph (Jesus' earthly mother and father) were both related to King David, which meant that Jesus would also be a descendant of King David and consequently could inherit his throne]: And he [Jesus] shall reign [rule] over the house [family] of Jacob [or 'the descendants of Jacob,' also known as the children of Israel,] for ever; and of his [Jesus'] kingdom [both on earth and in heaven, which includes born-again Christians] there shall be no end."
Luke 1:34: "Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be [or 'how can I become pregnant and bear a child'], seeing [that] I know not [have not had sexual relations with] a man?"
Luke 1:35: "And the angel answered and said unto her [Mary], The Holy Ghost [the Holy Spirit] shall come upon thee [you], and the power of the Highest [or 'the most high God'] shall overshadow thee [which meant that Jesus would be created supernaturally, by the power of God--see note below*]: therefore also that holy thing [that holy child] which shall be born of thee [i.e., Jesus] shall be called the Son of God [in regard to his human nature]."
"… Used of the Holy Spirit exerting creative energy upon the womb of the virgin Mary and impregnating it (a use of the word which seems to have been drawn from the familiar OT [Old Testament] idea of a cloud as symbolising the immediate presence and power of God)"
(Source: www.godrules.net/library/kjvstrongs/kjvstrongsluk1.htm, "1:35," "overtshadow--1982")
"… Mary's pregnancy would come about not through any sexual relations with Joseph, but through the direct creative power of the Spirit of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit]. The son born to her [Mary] would be of Adam's race [i.e., the human race] but free of any trace of Adam's sin. He [Jesus] would not be one whom God merely adopted as his son, but one who was actually God's Son …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/luke/1-30.html, "Bridgeway Bible Commentary")
DECEMBER 18-19
Proverbs 18:13: "[For] He [or she] that answereth [answers] a matter [or gives an opinion about something] before he [or she] heareth [hears] it [the whole story, or both sides of it], it is folly [foolishness] and shame unto him [or her]."
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According to Pastor Delany, the passage in Joshua describes the time when "… [the] Reubenites, [the] Gadites, and ½ the tribe of Manasseh were being sent back to their homes after the conquest [conquering] of the land [of Canaan]." According to the Bible, "… When they arrived at home, they built a great altar [which the rest of the Israelites thought was for the purposes of idolatry, and which would have been a sin against God]." "… Thus, the children of Israel gathered together, ready to fight against [the children of] Rueben, [the children of] Gad, & ½ the tribe of Manasseh."
In this case:
"5. The children of Israel initially jumped to conclusions…
"a. They heard ONE simple fact [i.e., that an altar had been built by some of God's people]--and were ready to start a war over it. (And came very close!)
"b. They wrongly assumed:
"• That the altar was being built to offer sacrifices.
"• That it was built in defiance against God.
"• That the people building it were rebels.
"• That they were building a rival [competing] system of worship.
"• That their sin was like that of Peor or Achan [see note below*].
"• That judgment from heaven would fall upon them all."
When they heard the real reasons why the altar was built, they had no desire for battle.
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The commentary ends by saying, "Wars have started; marriages have ended; families [have been] destroyed; churches [have been] split; friendships [have been] broken; lives [have been] ruined; reputations [have been] damaged… all because of men have answered a matter before they heard it."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_13/.
-- "Who was Baal Peor in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Baal-Peor.html)
-- "Who was Achan in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Achan-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-of-Achan.html)
DECEMBER 17
James 1:8: "A double minded man [or woman or child--someone who is confused and full of doubts and consequently can't make up his (or her) mind] is unstable [wavering, changeable, unreliable] in all [of] his [or her] ways [or in everything that he (or she) says and does]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/james-1.html, "Verse 8")
DECEMBER 16
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding [is] rather to be chosen than silver!" [That's because, in God's view, wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver and gold.]
"6. Practically, this [verse] should affect our every day lives.
"a. Where do we obtain God's wisdom and understanding? From God's Word [as recorded in the Bible]…
"b. Thus, wisdom is obtained by spending TIME in His [God's] Word [i.e., by reading and studying the Bible]…
"c. The local [Christian] church is the place where God's Word is taught…
"d. Personal devotion time in the word each day is also essential in obtaining wisdom.
"e. Silver and gold can sometimes pull us AWAY from obtaining God's wisdom…
"f. Silver and gold… and the OTHER things of the world vie [compete] for our affection and our time.
"g. We have to LOVE wisdom before we will seek it. It IS a matter of the heart."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_16/.
DECEMBER 15
Psalm 118:8: "It is better to trust in the LORD [God--to help us, guide us, protect us, and enable us to do what is right] than to put confidence in man [mankind, people, human beings]."
"… It is better [to trust in the Lord],
"(1) because man is weak - but God is Almighty [all-powerful];
"(2) because man is selfish - but God is benevolent [kind];
"(3) because man is often faithless [untrustworthy] and deceitful [dishonest] - God never [is];
"(4) because there are emergencies, [such as] as death, in which man cannot aid [help] us, however faithful, kind, and friendly he may be - but there are no circumstances in this life, and none in death, where God cannot assist us; and
"(5) because the ability of man [mankind, people] to help us pertains at best only to this present life - the power of God will be commensurate with eternity [or 'will last forever']."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-118.html, "Verse 8")
"… it is best to trust in the Lord; he is able to help, as well as willing; he is faithful to his word [as recorded in the Bible], and unchangeable in his promises; whereas man, though he may have a will to help, oftentimes has it not in his power; and when it is in his power, and has promised it, he disappoints, being changeable or unfaithful …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/psalms/118-8.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
DECEMBER 14
Proverbs 14:1: "Every wise woman buildeth [builds] her house [or, in this case, her household, or family]: but the foolish [woman] plucketh [plucks, pulls] it down [meaning she destroys or ruins it] with her hands."
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Here's what the commentary says in paragraph 4b:
"• God has given the godly wife a blueprint for the home: God's Word!
"• Just as a set of blueprints spells out how everything is to be assembled on the outside of the structure [or building]… God's Word [the Bible] is the woman's blueprint which spells out clearly how things should be ordered on the inside of the home [see note below*].
"• There IS an order: the husband is to be the loving head [of the household, or leader of the family]; the wife is to willingly submit [to her husband]; they are to work together to bring up the children according to God's pattern… and children are to obey [their parents].
"1. This order is never to be ignored or reversed."
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And the following excerpt is from paragraph 5 of the commentary:
"b. The woman's job is to be working on the moral and spiritual climate in the home before the kids.
"• A house is built with brick and mortar; wood and nails;
"• A home is built with love, kindness, beauty, orderliness; discernment [good judgment]; education; harmony [being in agreement]; unity [working together]; stability.
"c. The woman's job is to taking care of the internal affairs of the home…
"• Is your house IN ORDER?
"• Do you take care of your possessions?
"• Is it [your house] neat or messy?
"• Do you walk around the home teaching your children about the Lord?
"• Is it a place where [Jesus] Christ is lifted up [uplifted] or hardly mentioned?
"• Is it a place of chaos [disorder and confusion] or discipline and order?
"• Is the home cold and impersonal or warm and inviting?
"• Are the affairs of [or things happening in] your household being attended to faithfully--or are you so busy in other things, that the affairs of your household are ignored and unattended to?
"• A house is more than a pile of wood, nails, glass, and shingles. A home is more than just people eating and sleeping at the same address.
"• Turning that pile of building materials into a house is the job of the construction workers.
"• Turning the inside of that building into a home is the wife's responsibility.
"d. A wise woman builds her home…
"• The woman builds the family numerically [or makes it grow larger] by giving birth.
"• She also builds it up spiritually by her godly character reflected in the home day in and day out [daily, each day]… and by teaching her children in the things of the Lord.
"• She builds it [her family] up economically by her industry and hard work. Read Prov. 31 [see note below**] -- this woman was a hard worker and profited the whole family [or 'and the whole family benefited'] from her efforts."
If you want to read more of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-14-index/proverbs-14_1/.
DECEMBER 13
Proverbs 13:22: "A good man [a hard-working, law-abiding parent who saves his (or her) money and spends it wisely] leaveth [leaves] an inheritance to his [or her] [children and] children's children [grandchildren]: and the wealth of the sinner [referring to someone with many sinful habits, such as laziness, gambling, drinking, etc.] is laid up [accumulated] for the just [righteous] [person, meaning it usually ends up in the hands of people with high moral standards]."
In the first section, regarding inheritances, the commentary notes that some people don't have children; others are poor and can't leave an inheritance for their children and grandchildren. However, per paragraph 3b:
"• Whether you leave earthly goods behind or not--be sure you leave this behind in your portfolio [collection of assets, or possessions]… a godly heritage [a love of God and his word and a desire to obey the Bible's teachings]…
"• One man may leave behind a valuable family heirloom [i.e., a valuable object that has belonged to the family for several generations]: perhaps an antique grandfather clock… or a valuable picture… or a bed George Washington slept in. For years to come your children and grandchildren will remember you by that clock or bed…
"• But far more important is it for them [the children and grandchildren] to remember grandpa as a man who loved the Lord… who read his Bible every day… and prayed for them every day… and was seen in the Lord's House [i.e., church] every Lord's day [Sunday]. That's a priceless inheritance to leave behind!"
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In the second section, regarding redistribution of wealth, the commentary says that Solomon was right in observing that "Wealth often changes hands… and it seems to end up in the hands of good men."
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The commentary ends with this:
"5.) One thing is sure--you can't take it [your money] with you [when you die].
"a.) You are never sure how your hard earned wealth will be used…
"b.) But if we leave behind a heritage of godliness [i.e., 'a righteous example… of godliness… mercy… compassion… Christlikeness… charity…'][,] that can never be wasted…"
If you want to read more of the commentary mentioned above, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-13-index/proverbs-13_22/.
DECEMBER 12
Proverbs 12:18: "There is [the kind of person] that speaketh [who speaks with words that hurt] like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [person; i.e., the careful, thoughtful, nice things that a wise person says] is health [healing, meaning it can have a gentle, soothing effect on the listener(s)]."
"e. There is something about thoughtless language that is like being stabbed with a sword:
"• It is painful…
"» Words can hurt more than a sword…
"» Words can paralyze another human being…
"• It is a deep wound, not a superficial [surface] scratch…
"» Physical wounds heal over time. Usually there are stitches, some medication, pain relievers, or ointments [i.e., salves or creams that are put on the skin] that help the heal the wound.
"» But no such pain relievers can take away the pain of thoughtless words.
"• It takes a long time to heal… unlike the scratch…
"» Physical wounds heal much quicker than wounds on the inside… wounds that are inflicted because of rash [hasty, reckless] speech.
"» Some people live with the burden of thoughtless words all their lives…
"» Like a sword, thoughtless words can leave scars that don't ever go away.
"» You can forgive a person for rash words… but that doesn't mean you will ever forget it.
"» Long after the argument is over--or the harsh [unkind, cruel] words are ended, those words continue to echo in the back of your mind…
"• It has long lasting effects; it takes one second to stab someone; it takes a long time to heal.
"» Think of that before you speak. You can cause weeks--even years of hurt--by one harsh word, thoughtlessly and rashly spoken.
"• It cannot be reversed; once you stab someone, you can't take it back or undo it.
"» After you stab someone, you can pull the sword out and promise not to do it again--but that doesn't change anything. They're still stabbed!
"» We can say cruel things thoughtless, and WISH we didn't later… but our repentance [regret, being sorry] doesn't make the hurt go away.
"» Once you say it, you can't ever really take it back. You can't un-ring the bell.
"» You can apologize -- and they can forgive you… but you still said it… and the person still remembers… and it still hurts.
"» How much better not to stab someone in the first place!
"6. This kind of rash speech makes life miserable…
"a. In the home…
"• Sometimes parents say the harshest, cruelest things to their children… without even thinking of the effects of their words.
"» Don't ever call your child stupid… useless… good for nothing…
"» You may say it without thinking--but those wounds could last a lifetime.
"» You won't stab them with a sword would you? Then don't stab them with your mouth!
"• Sometimes spouses use their speech to tear into their mate [marriage partner].
"» Married couples can inflict such misery upon their spouses… and in turn, upon themselves by a careless use of the tongue [i.e., by saying nasty things].
"» Arguing is like throwing knives at each other. It is a similar kind of battle…
"» You can use your tongue to constantly hurt… throw barbs [make unkind remarks, say unkind things]… use words as a dig [i.e., to mock or insult someone]… designed to hurt…
"» Why live that way? Lot's of couples decide enough is enough. I can't take this kind of abuse any more. I've had it with being pierced and stabbed every day.
"» I don't blame them one bit for saying "I've had it."
"» Unfortunately, too often couples get divorced because they are worn out and emotionally exhausted and wounded from all the thoughtless speech…
"» How much better to put an end to the thoughtless speech rather than putting an end to the relationship!
"» Don't live that way. It's too hard. It's too painful.
"• Sometimes church members can use their speech as a sword… to harm, pierce, and stab others in the back.
"» Thoughtless speech in the home can result in divorce.
"» Thoughtless speech in the church can result in division…"
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In paragraph 2 near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"a. We can use our speech like a sword to tear someone to shreds…
"b. We can use our tongue to tear down our household OR we can choose to use our tongue to build it up!
"c. Words that are carefully, thoughtfully, graciously spoken can have a wonderful healing… restorative… gentle… soothing effect.
"d. A word spoken in due season, how good it is!"
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_18/.
DECEMBER 11
Proverbs 11:19: "As righteousness tendeth to [tends to, promotes] life: so he that pursueth [pursues, chases] evil pursueth it to his own death."
In addition, he said, "The one who does not do things right… but lives in the fast lane… drinks… takes drugs… runs around with someone else's wife--may not live so long. He may die young. His lifestyle does not promote life but death …"
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Here's an excerpt from the second half of the pastor's commentary:
"3. Men willingly chose to pursue evil things that they know can kill them… drugs, alcohol, immorality, cigarettes…
"4. It is because as fallen [sinful] creatures, apart from faith in Christ, men normally choose the here and now [the present time] over the by and by [the future].
"a. It is the same kind of twisted thinking of Esau [an Old Testament Bible character, who said]: I want my porridge [a hot cereal, like oatmeal] now--and I don't care about tomorrow.
"b. Men want to feel good right now and don't want to even think about the long term consequences of their actions.
"c. This is why most men reject Christ [and don't get saved]. They simply want to pursue their FUN now… and don't care or believe there will be any eternal consequences to their actions.
"d. They do so to their own death!
"e. Prov. 11:17 states the same principle: cruel men trouble their own souls!
"f. Prov. 8:36 -- those who reject God's wisdom and pursue evil do so at their own peril [risk].
"g. How we wish we could instill [implant, put] this truth in our kids--so that they might AVOID harming themselves… troubling their soul… being forced to eat the fruit of their own ways… maybe even save their life… save them from pursuing that which tends toward death!
"5. Isaiah 3:10 -- Isaiah [an Old Testament prophet] put it this way: the righteous shall eat the fruit of his own doing… but woe [sorrow and distress, or trouble] to the wicked. He too shall eat of the fruit of his own doings.
"a. Each tendeth to his own end… the righteous to life… and the wicked to sin and death.
"b. This principle is inescapable… and has been proven over and over again.
"c. Every man will EAT of his own fruit… he will reap what he has sown [planted].
"d. Whatever a man sows or pursues in life, he will receive… that which promotes an abundant life… or that which stifles [suffocates, chokes, hinders] one's Christian life…
"e. Some men pursue that which advances [brings about, results in] his own death… physical death, spiritual death, and the second death in the Lake of Fire.
"f. Prov. 11:5-6 -- the same principle -- the wicked fall because of his own wickedness; the transgressor [sinner] is taken in his own sin.
"g. In other words--the evil he pursues catches up to him in time… and takes over his life. He becomes ensnared [trapped]… entangled… overcome… defeated… and it may result in death.
"h. All pursuits in life lead in one of two possible directions: life or death.
"i. Be careful what you pursue in life."
If you want to read more from the above commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-11-index/proverbs-11_19/.
DECEMBER 10
John 14:6: "Jesus saith [said] unto him [Thomas, one of the apostles], I am the way [to heaven], the truth [God's truth], and the life [physical, spiritual, and eternal life]: no man [or woman or child] cometh unto [comes to] the Father [i.e., God the Father,] [in heaven], but by [except through] me."
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Note: The "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website contains detailed instructions for the plan of salvation. If you want to visit that page, here's a direct link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
-- "Who was Thomas in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Thomas-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'I am the way and the truth and the life' (John 14:6)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/way-truth-life.html)
DECEMBER 9
In a letter to Timothy, a minister of the gospel, the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 2:15: "Study [the Bible] to shew thyself [show yourself] approved unto God [or 'to prove yourself acceptable to God'], [and also to show yourself as] a workman that needeth not [does not need] to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [see explanation below*]."
" … by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his [Timothy's, or a Christian minister's,] continuing in the true doctrine [referring to the set of beliefs of the Christian church], and teaching that [i.e., the true doctrine] to every person; and … giving each [person] his portion of meat in due season - [in other words, giving] milk to babes [in Christ, referring to spiritual babies, or young Christians], strong meat to the full grown [older, wiser Christians], comfort to the disconsolate [or 'to unhappy, depressed Christians'], reproof [correction] to the irregular and careless [Christians]; in a word, finding out the necessities of his [the minister's] hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities [needs]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/2-15.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
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Albert Barnes gives the same meaning but states it a little differently. According to him, a minister's job is "… rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth [referring to what's in the Bible]. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel [the preacher] is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish [or supply nourishment to] the [person's] soul for heaven."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-2.html, "Verse 15")
DECEMBER 8
In a letter to Jewish Christians, the apostle James (a brother of Jesus) wrote:
James 1:2-3: "My brethren [fellow Christians], count it all joy [rejoice, be happy] when ye [you] fall into [or encounter] divers temptations [various kinds of trials, including sickness, poverty (not having enough money to buy food, clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities), bereavement (feeling sad due to the death of a loved one), persecution (being treated unfairly or cruelly by others), etc.]; Knowing [realizing] this, that the trying [testing] of your faith worketh [results in] patience."
DECEMBER 4-7
A Very Wise King Proves That He's Also a Very Wise Judge
In this story, King Solomon uses his God-given wisdom to determine who is the child's real mother.
1 Kings 3:16: "Then came there two women, that were harlots [prostitutes, both of whom had recently been pregnant], unto the king [Solomon], and stood before him."
1 Kings 3:17,18: "And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell [live together] in one house; and I was delivered of [or 'I gave birth to'] a child with her in the house. And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save [except, besides] we two in the house [in other words, they were alone, so there were no witnesses to what happened next]."
1 Kings 3:19-20: "And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid [laid on top of, and smothered,] it. And she arose [got up] at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine [your] handmaid [female servant, referring to herself] slept, and laid it in her bosom [near her breasts], and laid her dead child in my bosom [near my breasts]."
1 Kings 3:21: "And when I rose [arose, got up] in the morning to give my child suck [i.e., to nurse my child], behold, it was dead: but when I had considered [thought about] it [what had happened during the night] in the morning, behold, [I realized that] it [the dead child] was not my son, which I did bear [give birth to]."
1 Kings 3:22: "And the other woman said, Nay [no]; but the living [child] is my son, and the dead [one] is thy [your] son. And this [woman, referring to herself,] said, No; but the dead [child] is thy son, and the living [one] is my son. Thus they spake [that is what they spoke] before the king."
1 Kings 3:23: "Then said the king, The one [woman] saith [says], This is my son that liveth [lives], and thy son is the dead [child]: and the other [woman] saith, Nay [no]; but thy [your] son is the dead [child], and my son is the living [one]."
1 Kings 3:24-25: "And the king said [to his officers], Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide [cut] the living child in two, and give half to the one [mother], and half to the other."
1 Kings 3:26: "Then spake the woman whose the living child was [or 'to whom the living child belonged'] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon [or 'because she had great love and compassion (pity and concern) for'] her son, and she said [to the king], O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise [in no way, do not] slay [kill] it. But the other [woman] said, Let it be neither mine nor thine [yours], but divide it."
1 Kings 3:27: "Then the king answered and said, Give her [the woman who truly loved and was willing to give up] the living child, and in no wise [by no means] slay it: she is the mother thereof."
1 Kings 3:28: "And all [of the people in] Israel [meaning all of the Jewish people] heard of the judgment [case] which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment [make wise decisions]."
Solomon was young when he became king, so he asked God for wisdom with which to rule the people, and God granted his request. For that story, see the following:
-- When Solomon asked God for wisdom, as told in the Bible
(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%203%3A7-14&version=KJV)
-- "How did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Solomon-wisdom.html)
DECEMBER 3
Two Important Virtues: Mercy and Truth
This is King Solomon's advice to his son, and also to us:
Proverbs 3:3: "Let not [don't let] mercy [goodness, kindness, compassion] and truth [truthfulness, reliability, faithfulness (loyalty), as when you are true to someone, meaning they can depend on you] forsake thee [leave you]: bind them [these virtues: mercy and truth] about thy [around your] neck [like a necklace]; write them upon the table [tablet] of thine [your] heart [in other words, keep them close to your heart and don't be ashamed of them--see note below*]:"
Proverbs 3:4: "[If those two virtues (mercy and truth, which are examples of good moral character) become second nature (meaning they can be done instinctively, or automatically),] So shalt thou [so shall you, then you will] find favour [favor, acceptance] and good understanding in the sight of God and man [mankind, people]."
"In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, the Lord's commands were to be written on the people's hearts, impressed upon their children, talked about frequently, tied as symbols on their hands, bound on their foreheads, written on the doorframes of their houses and on the city gates as a constant reminder. The idea was to take these virtues not merely as external codes to live by but to receive them into our minds and hearts so that they govern our motives and become part of our very nature."
(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/write-mercy-truth-tablet-heart.html)
DECEMBER 1-2
Marriage and Divorce
Mark 10:2: "And the Pharisees [Jewish religious leaders--see note below*] came to him [Jesus], and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [divorce] his wife ['for every cause' (as is written in Matthew 19:3)]? tempting him [Jesus] [to say the wrong thing (or trying to 'trip him up' in his answer)]."
Mark 10:3-4: "And he [Jesus] answered and said unto them [the Pharisees], What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered [allowed] [a Jewish man] to write a bill of divorcement [divorce], and to put [send] her [his wife] away."
Mark 10:5-6: "And Jesus answered and said unto them [the Pharisees], For [due to] the hardness of your heart he [Moses] wrote you this precept [rule of behavior, permitting divorce]. But from the beginning of the creation[,] God made them [Adam and Eve, the first people on earth] male and female."
Mark 10:7-8: "For this cause [for this reason, meaning marriage,] shall a man leave his father and mother [and no longer live with them], and [shall] cleave to [join together and live with] his wife; And they twain [two, or both] shall be one flesh [or be closely united with one another--legally, physically, and with mutual (shared) interests, love, etc.]: so then they are no more twain [two separate souls], but one flesh."
Mark 10:9: "What [who] therefore God hath [has] joined together [in marriage], let not man put asunder [tear apart, divide, separate]."
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GotQuestions.org has an article entitled "Who were the Pharisees?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html.
The Wise Men Come to Bethlehem with Gifts for Jesus
Matthew 2:1-2: "Now when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men [probably more than three--see Note 1 below] from the east [most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran] to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews [i.e., Jesus]? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Matthew 2:3-4: "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled [worried], and [so were] all [of the people of] Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them [or 'asked them'] where [Jesus] Christ should be born."
Matthew 2:5-6: "And they [the chief priests and scribes] said unto him [King Herod], [The Christ child will be born] In Beth-lehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet [Micah, in Micah 5:2], And thou Beth-lehem, in the land of Juda [Judah], art [are] not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee [you] shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."
Matthew 2:7,8: "Then Herod, when he had privily [privately] called the wise men, enquired [asked] of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go and search diligently [carefully, persistently] for the young child; and when ye [you] have found him, bring me word again, [so] that I may come and worship him also [that wasn't true--Herod was lying]."
Matthew 2:9-10: "When they [the wise men] had heard the king, they departed [went away from] [Jerusalem]; and, lo, the star [of Bethlehem--see Note 2 below], which they saw in the east, went before them, till [until] it came and stood over where the young child [Jesus] was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
Matthew 2:11: "And when they were come into the house [not 'stable'], they saw the young child [Jesus] with Mary his mother, and fell down [on the ground], and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh [see Note 3 below]."
Matthew 2:12: "And being warned of [by] God in a dream that they should not return to [King] Herod, they [the wise men] departed into [returned to] their own country another way."
Matthew 2:13: "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth [appeared] to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [get up], and take the young child and his mother, and flee [run away] into Egypt, and be thou [you be, or stay] there until I bring thee [you] word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
Matthew 2:14-15: "When he [Joseph] arose, he took the young child [Jesus] and his mother [Mary] by night, and departed into Egypt: And [he--Joseph (and his family)] was there until the death of Herod: [so] that it might be fulfilled [that] which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet [Hosea], saying [in Hosea 11:1], Out of Egypt have I [God] called my son."
Matthew 2:16: "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of [ridiculed, or made fun of, by] the wise men, was exceeding wroth [very angry], and sent forth [soldiers], and slew [killed] all the children that were in Beth-lehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men."
Matthew 2:17-18: "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy [Jeremiah] the prophet [in Jeremiah 31:15--see Note 4 below], saying, In Rama [Ramah, a town near Bethlehem] was there a voice heard, lamentation [cries of grief], and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not [alive]."
Matthew 2:19-20: "But when [King] Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth [appeared] in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life [referring to King Herod and his men]."
Matthew 2:21,22: "And he [Joseph] arose, and took the young child [Jesus] and his mother [Mary], and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither [there]: notwithstanding, being warned of [by] God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:"
Matthew 2:23: "And he [Joseph--and his family] came and dwelt [lived] in a city called Nazareth: [so] that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He [Jesus] shall be called a Nazarene [see Note 5 below]."
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NOTE 1:The fact that no one knows for sure how many wise men there actually were is explained in the following article: "What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/three-wise-men.html.
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NOTE 2:
GotQuestions.org has an interesting article that answers the question "What was the star of Bethlehem?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/star-of-Bethlehem.html.
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NOTE 3:
The meaning of each of the wise men's gifts is detailed in the following article: "Why did the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus?" You can find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/gold-frankincense-myrrh.html.
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NOTE 4:
Jeremiah's prophecy as applied to the murder of little boys under the age of two in Bethlehem is explained in the article entitled: "How does Jesus fulfill the prophecy that begins 'a voice was heard in Ramah' (Matthew 2:18)?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/voice-heard-in-Ramah.html.
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NOTE 5:
"What prophecy is Matthew 2:23 referring to regarding Jesus being a Nazarene?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-2-23-Jesus-Nazarene.html.
DECEMBER 25
The Birth of Jesus Was Accompanied by Fear, Joy, and Praise to God
Luke 2:6-7: "And so it was, that, while they [Mary and Joseph] were there [in the stable in Bethlehem], the days were accomplished that she [the virgin Mary] should be delivered [of her child, meaning it was time for her pregnancy to end]. And she brought forth [gave birth to] her firstborn son [Jesus], and wrapped him in swaddling clothes [see note below*], and laid him in a manger [a feeding trough for horses and cattle]; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:8: "And there were in the same country [i.e., Judea, the area around Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph had gone to be taxed,] shepherds abiding [dwelling, living, residing] in the field, [taking turns] keeping watch over their flock [of sheep] by night [to prevent them from straying (wandering) and to protect them from wild animals and thieves]."
Luke 2:9: "And, lo, the angel of the Lord [perhaps Gabriel] came upon [stood over or appeared to] them [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord [an extremely bright light] shone round about [around] them: and they were sore afraid [frightened, terrified, filled with fear]."
Luke 2:10-11,12: "And the angel said unto them [the shepherds], Fear not [don't be afraid]: for, behold, I bring you good tidings [news] of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David [i.e., Bethlehem] a [referring to the promised and long-awaited] Saviour, which is [Jesus] Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you [shepherds]; Ye [you ] shall find the babe [baby, infant, newborn child] wrapped in swaddling clothes, [and] lying in a manger."
Luke 2:13-14: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude [large number] of the heavenly host [angels] praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heavens], and on earth peace [because Jesus' future death on the cross to pay for 'the sin of the world' (as stated by John the Baptist in John 1:29, meaning all of the sins of everyone in the world) would make it possible for us to have peace with God and with one another], [and also, on earth,] good will toward men [mankind, all human beings]."
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*According to online dictionaries, swaddling clothes are narrow bands of cloth formerly wrapped around a newborn child to restrain its movements and quiet it.____________________
The reason Mary wrapped her son in swaddling clothes is explained in the following article: "What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/swaddling-clothes.html.
DECEMBER 24
Before Jesus is Born, Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem to be Taxed
Luke 2:1-3: "And it came to pass in those days [when the virgin Mary was pregnant], that there went out a decree [an official order] from Caesar Augustus [the Roman emperor], that all the world [referring to everyone in the land of Palestine] should be taxed [see note below*]. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all [of the people] went to be taxed, every one into his own city."
Luke 2:4-5: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David [i.e., where King David was born], which is called Beth-lehem; (because he [Joseph] was of the house and lineage of David [meaning he was a descendant of King David]:) [he went there] To be taxed with Mary his [fianceé, or] espoused [soon-to-be] wife, being great with child [meaning she was in the last stage of pregnancy]."
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*According to Albert Barnes:"… Our word 'tax' means to levy and raise money for the use of the government. This is not the meaning of the original word here. It means rather to 'enroll' or take a 'list' of the citizens, with their employments [jobs], the amount of their property, etc., equivalent to what was meant by census …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/luke-2.html, "Verse 1")
DECEMBER 23
Names of (or Descriptive Titles for) Jesus and Their Meanings
Following his vision of future events, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah wrote this about the birth of the Savior:
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us [both the Jewish people and everyone else in the world,] [for our benefit,] a child [named Jesus] is born [of (to) the virgin Mary], [and] unto us a son [the Lord Jesus Christ--Son of God (or God the Son) and Messiah] is given [by God the Father, to become a sacrifice for the sins of the world (i.e., Jesus' reason for coming to earth was to die on the cross to pay for our sins, save us from hell, and purchase the gift of eternal life)]: and the government shall be upon his [Jesus'] shoulder [because he will eventually be crowned King]:
and his [Jesus'] name shall be called
Wonderful [because he will inspire wonder, amazement, and adoration due to the circumstances surrounding his birth, death, resurrection, and everything that he'll do throughout his life],
Counsellor [because he will have great wisdom and consequently will be highly qualified to guide and direct the entire human race],
The mighty God [because he will be both human and divine (i.e., fully God and fully man); in other words, he'll be 'God in the flesh'--see note below*],
The everlasting Father [because he will rule over his people forever],
The Prince of Peace [because he will be the true source of peace, meaning peace with God, and peace with people]."
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*For an explanation of why Isaiah said that Jesus would be called "The mighty God," read "Is Jesus God in the flesh?" You can find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-in-the-flesh.html.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org also has articles on the other names listed above. They are as follows:-- "What does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Wonderful-Counselor.html)
-- "What is the meaning of "Everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Everlasting-Father.html)
-- "What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Prince-of-Peace.html)
DECEMBER 22
While Pregnant With Jesus, Mary Visits Her Cousin Elizabeth
This took place soon after the virgin Mary was informed by the angel Gabriel that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah (God's Son, Jesus). At the time, Elizabeth was six months pregnant with John the Baptist (see note below*).
Luke 1:39-40: "And [the virgin] Mary arose [started out on a journey] in those days [i.e., during her early pregnancy], and went into the hill country [of Judea, or Judah] with haste [quickly], into a city of Juda [probably, the city of Hebron]; And entered into the house of Zacharias [Elizabeth's husband], and saluted [greeted] [her cousin] Elisabeth."
Luke 1:41-42: "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation [greeting] of Mary, the babe [baby, referring to Elizabeth's unborn child, who would later be called John the Baptist] leaped in her [Elizabeth's] womb [uterus]; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]: And she spake out [cried out, exclaimed] with a loud voice, and said [to Mary], Blessed art thou [blessed (and to be honored) are you] among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy [your] womb [referring to baby Jesus]."
Luke 1:43-44,45: "And whence is this to me [Elizabeth] [or 'why is it'], that the mother of my Lord [referring to Mary, who was the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ] should come to [visit] me? For, lo [take note:], as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine [my] ears, the babe [my baby (John)] leaped in my womb for joy. [This was not a normal 'kick' from an unborn child.] And blessed [happy] is she [referring to Mary] that believed [the angel Gabriel]: for there shall be a performance [fulfillment] of those things which were told [to] her [Mary] from the Lord [i.e., that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God]."
Luke 1:46-47: "And Mary said, My soul doth [does] [or 'I do'] magnify [praise] the Lord [God], And my spirit hath [has] rejoiced in God my Saviour [referring to Mary's soon-to-be firstborn child, Jesus, who was (and is and always will be) the Messiah and Savior of the world]."
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Like Mary and her cousin Elisabeth, we all need a Savior to pay our sin debt. That's why Jesus was born.* * * * *
In his commentary, Albert Barnes wrote:"… From these expressions of Elizabeth [i.e., 'blessed is she that believed,' in Luke 1:45,] we may learn:
"I.That the spirit of prophecy had not entirely ceased [ended] among the Jews.
"II.That the Holy Spirit is the source of light, comfort, and joy.
"III.That everything about the birth of Jesus was remarkable, and that he must have been more than a mere man.
"IV.That the prospect of the coming of the Messiah was one of great joy and rejoicing to ancient saints; and,
"V.That it was a high honor to be 'the mother' of him that should redeem [die to save] mankind.
"It is from 'that honor' that the Roman Catholics have determined that it is right to worship the Virgin Mary and to offer prayers to her - an act of worship as idolatrous as any that could be offered to a creature [created being]. Because:
"I.It [worshiping Mary] is not anywhere commanded in the Bible.
"II.It is expressly forbidden to worship any being but God, [as stated in] Exodus 34:14; Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:13-14; Isaiah 45:20.
"III.It is idolatry to worship or pray to a creature.
"IV.It is absurd [ridiculous] to suppose that the Virgin Mary can be in all places at the same time to hear the prayers of thousands [of people] at once, or to aid [assist, help] them. There is no idolatry more gross [outrageous], and of course more wicked, than to worship the creature more than the Creator, Romans 1:25."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/luke-1.html,"Verse 45")
* * * * *
*For background information on Elizabeth, read "What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Zechariah-and-Elizabeth.html.DECEMBER 21
Joseph Discovers That His Fiancée (the Virgin Mary) is Pregnant
Matthew 1:18: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise [in this manner]: When as his [Jesus'] mother [the virgin] Mary was espoused [engaged to be married] to Joseph, before they came together [sexually, as husband and wife], she was found [to be] with child of the Holy Ghost [meaning she was found to be pregnant with baby Jesus, whom the Holy Spirit had created (formed) in her womb (uterus)]."
Matthew 1:19: "Then Joseph [who was] her [Mary's] [future] husband, being a just [or kind, tender, merciful] man, and [because he was] not willing to make her a publick [public] example [meaning he didn't want to embarrass Mary, humiliate her publicly, or cause her harm--see note below*], [he] was minded [had decided] to put her away [or 'separate himself from her'] privily [privately] [by breaking off their engagement]."
Matthew 1:20,21: "But while he [Joseph] thought on [about] these things, behold, the angel of the Lord [probably Gabriel] appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou [you] son [descendant] of [King] David, fear not [don't be afraid] to take unto thee [yourself] Mary [as] thy [your] wife: for that [baby] which is conceived in her is of [by] the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth [give birth to] a son, and thou shalt [you shall] call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people [referring, at that time, to the Israelites, or Jewish people] from their sins [which was Jesus' main reason for coming to earth]."
Matthew 1:22,23: "Now all this was done, [so] that it might be fulfilled [brought about] [that] which was spoken of [by] the Lord [God] [and prophesied] by the prophet [Isaiah, in Isaiah 7:14], saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Matthew 1:24-25: "Then Joseph being raised from sleep [having been awakened] did as the angel of the Lord had bidden [instructed] him, and took unto him [Mary as] his wife: And knew her not [did not have sex with her] till [until after] she had brought forth [given birth to] her firstborn [child, a] son: and he [Joseph] called his [the baby's] name JESUS."
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*Thankfully, we don't live in Bible times because, as Albert Barnes noted in his commentary on Matthew 1:19:"… Adultery has always been considered a crime of a very heinous [evil or wicked] nature. In Egypt, it was punished by cutting off the nose of the adulteress [the woman who had committed adultery]; in Persia, the nose and ears were cut off; in Judea, the punishment was death by stoning … This punishment was also inflicted [used] where the person was not married, but betrothed [engaged] … In this case, therefore, the regular punishment would have been death [for Mary] in this painful and ignominious [disgraceful, shameful] manner. Yet Joseph was a religious man - mild and tender [gentle and kind]; and he was not willing to complain of her [Mary] to the magistrate [someone who administers the law, like a judge], and expose her to death, but sought to avoid the shame, and to put her away privately."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-1.html, "Verse 19")
DECEMBER 20
Exciting News for the Virgin Mary: She Was Chosen to Give Birth to God's Son
When Elisabeth was six months pregnant with John the Baptist, an angel was sent to the city of Nazareth to deliver an important message to Elisabeth's cousin Mary, a virgin who was betrothed to (engaged to marry) a man named Joseph.
Luke 1:30-31: "And the angel [Gabriel] said unto her [the virgin Mary], Fear not [don't be afraid], Mary: for thou hast [you have] found favour [favor] with God. And, behold, thou shalt [you shall] conceive [a child] in thy [your] womb [uterus] [which meant that she would become pregnant], and bring forth [give birth to] a son [who is the promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world], and [you] shalt [shall] call his name JESUS [meaning 'Jehovah (the Lord) is Salvation']."
Luke 1:32,33: "He [Jesus] shall be great [in word and deed, power, wisdom, influence, etc.], and shall be called the Son of the Highest [or 'the Son of God']: and the Lord God shall give unto him [Jesus] the throne [kingdom] of his [earthly] father [referring to Jesus' ancestor, King] David [note: Mary and Joseph (Jesus' earthly mother and father) were both related to King David, which meant that Jesus would also be a descendant of King David and consequently could inherit his throne]: And he [Jesus] shall reign [rule] over the house [family] of Jacob [or 'the descendants of Jacob,' also known as the children of Israel,] for ever; and of his [Jesus'] kingdom [both on earth and in heaven, which includes born-again Christians] there shall be no end."
Luke 1:34: "Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be [or 'how can I become pregnant and bear a child'], seeing [that] I know not [have not had sexual relations with] a man?"
Luke 1:35: "And the angel answered and said unto her [Mary], The Holy Ghost [the Holy Spirit] shall come upon thee [you], and the power of the Highest [or 'the most high God'] shall overshadow thee [which meant that Jesus would be created supernaturally, by the power of God--see note below*]: therefore also that holy thing [that holy child] which shall be born of thee [i.e., Jesus] shall be called the Son of God [in regard to his human nature]."
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*Definition of overshadow, according to Strong's Concordance:"… Used of the Holy Spirit exerting creative energy upon the womb of the virgin Mary and impregnating it (a use of the word which seems to have been drawn from the familiar OT [Old Testament] idea of a cloud as symbolising the immediate presence and power of God)"
(Source: www.godrules.net/library/kjvstrongs/kjvstrongsluk1.htm, "1:35," "overtshadow--1982")
* * * * *
Regarding the virgin birth, one Bible commentator wrote:"… Mary's pregnancy would come about not through any sexual relations with Joseph, but through the direct creative power of the Spirit of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit]. The son born to her [Mary] would be of Adam's race [i.e., the human race] but free of any trace of Adam's sin. He [Jesus] would not be one whom God merely adopted as his son, but one who was actually God's Son …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/luke/1-30.html, "Bridgeway Bible Commentary")
DECEMBER 18-19
Proverbs 18:13: "[For] He [or she] that answereth [answers] a matter [or gives an opinion about something] before he [or she] heareth [hears] it [the whole story, or both sides of it], it is folly [foolishness] and shame unto him [or her]."
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This verse is about making snap judgments, jumping to conclusions, making up our minds without knowing all of the facts.* * * * *
In his commentary, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church uses a story from the Bible (i.e., Chapter 22 of the book of Joshua, which can be found here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+22&version=KJV) to show why a person shouldn't "answereth a matter before he heareth it."____________________
According to Pastor Delany, the passage in Joshua describes the time when "… [the] Reubenites, [the] Gadites, and ½ the tribe of Manasseh were being sent back to their homes after the conquest [conquering] of the land [of Canaan]." According to the Bible, "… When they arrived at home, they built a great altar [which the rest of the Israelites thought was for the purposes of idolatry, and which would have been a sin against God]." "… Thus, the children of Israel gathered together, ready to fight against [the children of] Rueben, [the children of] Gad, & ½ the tribe of Manasseh."
In this case:
"5. The children of Israel initially jumped to conclusions…
"a. They heard ONE simple fact [i.e., that an altar had been built by some of God's people]--and were ready to start a war over it. (And came very close!)
"b. They wrongly assumed:
"• That the altar was being built to offer sacrifices.
"• That it was built in defiance against God.
"• That the people building it were rebels.
"• That they were building a rival [competing] system of worship.
"• That their sin was like that of Peor or Achan [see note below*].
"• That judgment from heaven would fall upon them all."
When they heard the real reasons why the altar was built, they had no desire for battle.
____________________
The commentary ends by saying, "Wars have started; marriages have ended; families [have been] destroyed; churches [have been] split; friendships [have been] broken; lives [have been] ruined; reputations [have been] damaged… all because of men have answered a matter before they heard it."
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_13/.
* * * * *
*The sins of Peor and Achan are discussed in the following articles:-- "Who was Baal Peor in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Baal-Peor.html)
-- "Who was Achan in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Achan-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-of-Achan.html)
DECEMBER 17
James 1:8: "A double minded man [or woman or child--someone who is confused and full of doubts and consequently can't make up his (or her) mind] is unstable [wavering, changeable, unreliable] in all [of] his [or her] ways [or in everything that he (or she) says and does]."
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In his commentary on the above verse, Albert Barnes says that the term double-minded man "… is applicable [applies] to a man who has no settled [established] principles; who is controlled by passion [emotions]; who is influenced by popular feeling [or by what many other people believe]; who is now inclined to [leaning toward] one opinion or course of conduct, and now to another."(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/james-1.html, "Verse 8")
DECEMBER 16
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding [is] rather to be chosen than silver!" [That's because, in God's view, wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver and gold.]
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Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Near the end, it says:"6. Practically, this [verse] should affect our every day lives.
"a. Where do we obtain God's wisdom and understanding? From God's Word [as recorded in the Bible]…
"b. Thus, wisdom is obtained by spending TIME in His [God's] Word [i.e., by reading and studying the Bible]…
"c. The local [Christian] church is the place where God's Word is taught…
"d. Personal devotion time in the word each day is also essential in obtaining wisdom.
"e. Silver and gold can sometimes pull us AWAY from obtaining God's wisdom…
"f. Silver and gold… and the OTHER things of the world vie [compete] for our affection and our time.
"g. We have to LOVE wisdom before we will seek it. It IS a matter of the heart."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_16/.
DECEMBER 15
Psalm 118:8: "It is better to trust in the LORD [God--to help us, guide us, protect us, and enable us to do what is right] than to put confidence in man [mankind, people, human beings]."
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According to Albert Barnes:"… It is better [to trust in the Lord],
"(1) because man is weak - but God is Almighty [all-powerful];
"(2) because man is selfish - but God is benevolent [kind];
"(3) because man is often faithless [untrustworthy] and deceitful [dishonest] - God never [is];
"(4) because there are emergencies, [such as] as death, in which man cannot aid [help] us, however faithful, kind, and friendly he may be - but there are no circumstances in this life, and none in death, where God cannot assist us; and
"(5) because the ability of man [mankind, people] to help us pertains at best only to this present life - the power of God will be commensurate with eternity [or 'will last forever']."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-118.html, "Verse 8")
* * * * *
Commenting on Psalm 118:8, John Gill said:"… it is best to trust in the Lord; he is able to help, as well as willing; he is faithful to his word [as recorded in the Bible], and unchangeable in his promises; whereas man, though he may have a will to help, oftentimes has it not in his power; and when it is in his power, and has promised it, he disappoints, being changeable or unfaithful …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/psalms/118-8.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
DECEMBER 14
Proverbs 14:1: "Every wise woman buildeth [builds] her house [or, in this case, her household, or family]: but the foolish [woman] plucketh [plucks, pulls] it down [meaning she destroys or ruins it] with her hands."
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In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church explains the steps involved in building a good Christian home. ____________________
Here's what the commentary says in paragraph 4b:
"• God has given the godly wife a blueprint for the home: God's Word!
"• Just as a set of blueprints spells out how everything is to be assembled on the outside of the structure [or building]… God's Word [the Bible] is the woman's blueprint which spells out clearly how things should be ordered on the inside of the home [see note below*].
"• There IS an order: the husband is to be the loving head [of the household, or leader of the family]; the wife is to willingly submit [to her husband]; they are to work together to bring up the children according to God's pattern… and children are to obey [their parents].
"1. This order is never to be ignored or reversed."
____________________
And the following excerpt is from paragraph 5 of the commentary:
"b. The woman's job is to be working on the moral and spiritual climate in the home before the kids.
"• A house is built with brick and mortar; wood and nails;
"• A home is built with love, kindness, beauty, orderliness; discernment [good judgment]; education; harmony [being in agreement]; unity [working together]; stability.
"c. The woman's job is to taking care of the internal affairs of the home…
"• Is your house IN ORDER?
"• Do you take care of your possessions?
"• Is it [your house] neat or messy?
"• Do you walk around the home teaching your children about the Lord?
"• Is it a place where [Jesus] Christ is lifted up [uplifted] or hardly mentioned?
"• Is it a place of chaos [disorder and confusion] or discipline and order?
"• Is the home cold and impersonal or warm and inviting?
"• Are the affairs of [or things happening in] your household being attended to faithfully--or are you so busy in other things, that the affairs of your household are ignored and unattended to?
"• A house is more than a pile of wood, nails, glass, and shingles. A home is more than just people eating and sleeping at the same address.
"• Turning that pile of building materials into a house is the job of the construction workers.
"• Turning the inside of that building into a home is the wife's responsibility.
"d. A wise woman builds her home…
"• The woman builds the family numerically [or makes it grow larger] by giving birth.
"• She also builds it up spiritually by her godly character reflected in the home day in and day out [daily, each day]… and by teaching her children in the things of the Lord.
"• She builds it [her family] up economically by her industry and hard work. Read Prov. 31 [see note below**] -- this woman was a hard worker and profited the whole family [or 'and the whole family benefited'] from her efforts."
If you want to read more of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-14-index/proverbs-14_1/.
* * * * *
*"Who is the head of the household according to the Bible?" is answered in an article by the same name. You can read it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/head-of-the-household.html.* * * * *
**Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the characteristics of a virtuous woman, can be found here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A10-31&version=KJV.DECEMBER 13
Proverbs 13:22: "A good man [a hard-working, law-abiding parent who saves his (or her) money and spends it wisely] leaveth [leaves] an inheritance to his [or her] [children and] children's children [grandchildren]: and the wealth of the sinner [referring to someone with many sinful habits, such as laziness, gambling, drinking, etc.] is laid up [accumulated] for the just [righteous] [person, meaning it usually ends up in the hands of people with high moral standards]."
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Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Here are some excerpts:In the first section, regarding inheritances, the commentary notes that some people don't have children; others are poor and can't leave an inheritance for their children and grandchildren. However, per paragraph 3b:
"• Whether you leave earthly goods behind or not--be sure you leave this behind in your portfolio [collection of assets, or possessions]… a godly heritage [a love of God and his word and a desire to obey the Bible's teachings]…
"• One man may leave behind a valuable family heirloom [i.e., a valuable object that has belonged to the family for several generations]: perhaps an antique grandfather clock… or a valuable picture… or a bed George Washington slept in. For years to come your children and grandchildren will remember you by that clock or bed…
"• But far more important is it for them [the children and grandchildren] to remember grandpa as a man who loved the Lord… who read his Bible every day… and prayed for them every day… and was seen in the Lord's House [i.e., church] every Lord's day [Sunday]. That's a priceless inheritance to leave behind!"
____________________
In the second section, regarding redistribution of wealth, the commentary says that Solomon was right in observing that "Wealth often changes hands… and it seems to end up in the hands of good men."
____________________
The commentary ends with this:
"5.) One thing is sure--you can't take it [your money] with you [when you die].
"a.) You are never sure how your hard earned wealth will be used…
"b.) But if we leave behind a heritage of godliness [i.e., 'a righteous example… of godliness… mercy… compassion… Christlikeness… charity…'][,] that can never be wasted…"
If you want to read more of the commentary mentioned above, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-13-index/proverbs-13_22/.
DECEMBER 12
Proverbs 12:18: "There is [the kind of person] that speaketh [who speaks with words that hurt] like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [person; i.e., the careful, thoughtful, nice things that a wise person says] is health [healing, meaning it can have a gentle, soothing effect on the listener(s)]."
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According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, this verse is about the damage that can be done by thoughtless, careless speech brought about by uncontrolled emotions, like anger, envy, jealousy, bitterness, hatred, self-centeredness, frustration, ignorance (i.e., speaking without knowing the facts), and a lack of self-control. He says that for the recipient of that kind of speech, it hurts like being stabbed with a sword.* * * * *
In this excerpt from his commentary on Proverbs 12:18, Pastor Delany explains:"e. There is something about thoughtless language that is like being stabbed with a sword:
"• It is painful…
"» Words can hurt more than a sword…
"» Words can paralyze another human being…
"• It is a deep wound, not a superficial [surface] scratch…
"» Physical wounds heal over time. Usually there are stitches, some medication, pain relievers, or ointments [i.e., salves or creams that are put on the skin] that help the heal the wound.
"» But no such pain relievers can take away the pain of thoughtless words.
"• It takes a long time to heal… unlike the scratch…
"» Physical wounds heal much quicker than wounds on the inside… wounds that are inflicted because of rash [hasty, reckless] speech.
"» Some people live with the burden of thoughtless words all their lives…
"» Like a sword, thoughtless words can leave scars that don't ever go away.
"» You can forgive a person for rash words… but that doesn't mean you will ever forget it.
"» Long after the argument is over--or the harsh [unkind, cruel] words are ended, those words continue to echo in the back of your mind…
"• It has long lasting effects; it takes one second to stab someone; it takes a long time to heal.
"» Think of that before you speak. You can cause weeks--even years of hurt--by one harsh word, thoughtlessly and rashly spoken.
"• It cannot be reversed; once you stab someone, you can't take it back or undo it.
"» After you stab someone, you can pull the sword out and promise not to do it again--but that doesn't change anything. They're still stabbed!
"» We can say cruel things thoughtless, and WISH we didn't later… but our repentance [regret, being sorry] doesn't make the hurt go away.
"» Once you say it, you can't ever really take it back. You can't un-ring the bell.
"» You can apologize -- and they can forgive you… but you still said it… and the person still remembers… and it still hurts.
"» How much better not to stab someone in the first place!
"6. This kind of rash speech makes life miserable…
"a. In the home…
"• Sometimes parents say the harshest, cruelest things to their children… without even thinking of the effects of their words.
"» Don't ever call your child stupid… useless… good for nothing…
"» You may say it without thinking--but those wounds could last a lifetime.
"» You won't stab them with a sword would you? Then don't stab them with your mouth!
"• Sometimes spouses use their speech to tear into their mate [marriage partner].
"» Married couples can inflict such misery upon their spouses… and in turn, upon themselves by a careless use of the tongue [i.e., by saying nasty things].
"» Arguing is like throwing knives at each other. It is a similar kind of battle…
"» You can use your tongue to constantly hurt… throw barbs [make unkind remarks, say unkind things]… use words as a dig [i.e., to mock or insult someone]… designed to hurt…
"» Why live that way? Lot's of couples decide enough is enough. I can't take this kind of abuse any more. I've had it with being pierced and stabbed every day.
"» I don't blame them one bit for saying "I've had it."
"» Unfortunately, too often couples get divorced because they are worn out and emotionally exhausted and wounded from all the thoughtless speech…
"» How much better to put an end to the thoughtless speech rather than putting an end to the relationship!
"» Don't live that way. It's too hard. It's too painful.
"• Sometimes church members can use their speech as a sword… to harm, pierce, and stab others in the back.
"» Thoughtless speech in the home can result in divorce.
"» Thoughtless speech in the church can result in division…"
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In paragraph 2 near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"a. We can use our speech like a sword to tear someone to shreds…
"b. We can use our tongue to tear down our household OR we can choose to use our tongue to build it up!
"c. Words that are carefully, thoughtfully, graciously spoken can have a wonderful healing… restorative… gentle… soothing effect.
"d. A word spoken in due season, how good it is!"
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_18/.
DECEMBER 11
Proverbs 11:19: "As righteousness tendeth to [tends to, promotes] life: so he that pursueth [pursues, chases] evil pursueth it to his own death."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. According to him, the point of the verse is that "… righteousness and life hold the same relationship to each other as do pursuing evil and death…namely, one naturally follows the other!"In addition, he said, "The one who does not do things right… but lives in the fast lane… drinks… takes drugs… runs around with someone else's wife--may not live so long. He may die young. His lifestyle does not promote life but death …"
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Here's an excerpt from the second half of the pastor's commentary:
"3. Men willingly chose to pursue evil things that they know can kill them… drugs, alcohol, immorality, cigarettes…
"4. It is because as fallen [sinful] creatures, apart from faith in Christ, men normally choose the here and now [the present time] over the by and by [the future].
"a. It is the same kind of twisted thinking of Esau [an Old Testament Bible character, who said]: I want my porridge [a hot cereal, like oatmeal] now--and I don't care about tomorrow.
"b. Men want to feel good right now and don't want to even think about the long term consequences of their actions.
"c. This is why most men reject Christ [and don't get saved]. They simply want to pursue their FUN now… and don't care or believe there will be any eternal consequences to their actions.
"d. They do so to their own death!
"e. Prov. 11:17 states the same principle: cruel men trouble their own souls!
"f. Prov. 8:36 -- those who reject God's wisdom and pursue evil do so at their own peril [risk].
"g. How we wish we could instill [implant, put] this truth in our kids--so that they might AVOID harming themselves… troubling their soul… being forced to eat the fruit of their own ways… maybe even save their life… save them from pursuing that which tends toward death!
"5. Isaiah 3:10 -- Isaiah [an Old Testament prophet] put it this way: the righteous shall eat the fruit of his own doing… but woe [sorrow and distress, or trouble] to the wicked. He too shall eat of the fruit of his own doings.
"a. Each tendeth to his own end… the righteous to life… and the wicked to sin and death.
"b. This principle is inescapable… and has been proven over and over again.
"c. Every man will EAT of his own fruit… he will reap what he has sown [planted].
"d. Whatever a man sows or pursues in life, he will receive… that which promotes an abundant life… or that which stifles [suffocates, chokes, hinders] one's Christian life…
"e. Some men pursue that which advances [brings about, results in] his own death… physical death, spiritual death, and the second death in the Lake of Fire.
"f. Prov. 11:5-6 -- the same principle -- the wicked fall because of his own wickedness; the transgressor [sinner] is taken in his own sin.
"g. In other words--the evil he pursues catches up to him in time… and takes over his life. He becomes ensnared [trapped]… entangled… overcome… defeated… and it may result in death.
"h. All pursuits in life lead in one of two possible directions: life or death.
"i. Be careful what you pursue in life."
If you want to read more from the above commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-11-index/proverbs-11_19/.
DECEMBER 10
John 14:6: "Jesus saith [said] unto him [Thomas, one of the apostles], I am the way [to heaven], the truth [God's truth], and the life [physical, spiritual, and eternal life]: no man [or woman or child] cometh unto [comes to] the Father [i.e., God the Father,] [in heaven], but by [except through] me."
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Today's verse is saying that the only way we can have our sins forgiven and our fellowship with God restored is by receiving Jesus Christ (God's Son and Messiah) as our personal Savior. If you would like to do that, and if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him, through prayer (either silently or out loud), to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.____________________
Note: The "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website contains detailed instructions for the plan of salvation. If you want to visit that page, here's a direct link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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GotQuestions.org has two articles related to today's verse:-- "Who was Thomas in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Thomas-in-the-Bible.html)
-- "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'I am the way and the truth and the life' (John 14:6)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/way-truth-life.html)
DECEMBER 9
In a letter to Timothy, a minister of the gospel, the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 2:15: "Study [the Bible] to shew thyself [show yourself] approved unto God [or 'to prove yourself acceptable to God'], [and also to show yourself as] a workman that needeth not [does not need] to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [see explanation below*]."
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*According to Adam Clarke's commentary:" … by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his [Timothy's, or a Christian minister's,] continuing in the true doctrine [referring to the set of beliefs of the Christian church], and teaching that [i.e., the true doctrine] to every person; and … giving each [person] his portion of meat in due season - [in other words, giving] milk to babes [in Christ, referring to spiritual babies, or young Christians], strong meat to the full grown [older, wiser Christians], comfort to the disconsolate [or 'to unhappy, depressed Christians'], reproof [correction] to the irregular and careless [Christians]; in a word, finding out the necessities of his [the minister's] hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities [needs]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/2-15.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
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Albert Barnes gives the same meaning but states it a little differently. According to him, a minister's job is "… rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth [referring to what's in the Bible]. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel [the preacher] is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish [or supply nourishment to] the [person's] soul for heaven."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-2.html, "Verse 15")
DECEMBER 8
In a letter to Jewish Christians, the apostle James (a brother of Jesus) wrote:
James 1:2-3: "My brethren [fellow Christians], count it all joy [rejoice, be happy] when ye [you] fall into [or encounter] divers temptations [various kinds of trials, including sickness, poverty (not having enough money to buy food, clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities), bereavement (feeling sad due to the death of a loved one), persecution (being treated unfairly or cruelly by others), etc.]; Knowing [realizing] this, that the trying [testing] of your faith worketh [results in] patience."
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The above verse applies to all Christians.DECEMBER 4-7
A Very Wise King Proves That He's Also a Very Wise Judge
In this story, King Solomon uses his God-given wisdom to determine who is the child's real mother.
1 Kings 3:16: "Then came there two women, that were harlots [prostitutes, both of whom had recently been pregnant], unto the king [Solomon], and stood before him."
1 Kings 3:17,18: "And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell [live together] in one house; and I was delivered of [or 'I gave birth to'] a child with her in the house. And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save [except, besides] we two in the house [in other words, they were alone, so there were no witnesses to what happened next]."
1 Kings 3:19-20: "And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid [laid on top of, and smothered,] it. And she arose [got up] at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine [your] handmaid [female servant, referring to herself] slept, and laid it in her bosom [near her breasts], and laid her dead child in my bosom [near my breasts]."
1 Kings 3:21: "And when I rose [arose, got up] in the morning to give my child suck [i.e., to nurse my child], behold, it was dead: but when I had considered [thought about] it [what had happened during the night] in the morning, behold, [I realized that] it [the dead child] was not my son, which I did bear [give birth to]."
1 Kings 3:22: "And the other woman said, Nay [no]; but the living [child] is my son, and the dead [one] is thy [your] son. And this [woman, referring to herself,] said, No; but the dead [child] is thy son, and the living [one] is my son. Thus they spake [that is what they spoke] before the king."
1 Kings 3:23: "Then said the king, The one [woman] saith [says], This is my son that liveth [lives], and thy son is the dead [child]: and the other [woman] saith, Nay [no]; but thy [your] son is the dead [child], and my son is the living [one]."
1 Kings 3:24-25: "And the king said [to his officers], Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide [cut] the living child in two, and give half to the one [mother], and half to the other."
1 Kings 3:26: "Then spake the woman whose the living child was [or 'to whom the living child belonged'] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon [or 'because she had great love and compassion (pity and concern) for'] her son, and she said [to the king], O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise [in no way, do not] slay [kill] it. But the other [woman] said, Let it be neither mine nor thine [yours], but divide it."
1 Kings 3:27: "Then the king answered and said, Give her [the woman who truly loved and was willing to give up] the living child, and in no wise [by no means] slay it: she is the mother thereof."
1 Kings 3:28: "And all [of the people in] Israel [meaning all of the Jewish people] heard of the judgment [case] which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment [make wise decisions]."
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Other than Jesus, King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.Solomon was young when he became king, so he asked God for wisdom with which to rule the people, and God granted his request. For that story, see the following:
-- When Solomon asked God for wisdom, as told in the Bible
(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%203%3A7-14&version=KJV)
-- "How did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Solomon-wisdom.html)
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GotQuestions has an article based on today's verses. It's called "What is the judgment of Solomon?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Judgment-of-Solomon.html.DECEMBER 3
Two Important Virtues: Mercy and Truth
This is King Solomon's advice to his son, and also to us:
Proverbs 3:3: "Let not [don't let] mercy [goodness, kindness, compassion] and truth [truthfulness, reliability, faithfulness (loyalty), as when you are true to someone, meaning they can depend on you] forsake thee [leave you]: bind them [these virtues: mercy and truth] about thy [around your] neck [like a necklace]; write them upon the table [tablet] of thine [your] heart [in other words, keep them close to your heart and don't be ashamed of them--see note below*]:"
Proverbs 3:4: "[If those two virtues (mercy and truth, which are examples of good moral character) become second nature (meaning they can be done instinctively, or automatically),] So shalt thou [so shall you, then you will] find favour [favor, acceptance] and good understanding in the sight of God and man [mankind, people]."
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If we want to have love and respect from others, we need to show mercy and truth to them.* * * * *
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-3-index/proverbs-3_3-4/.* * * * *
*In paragraph 6 of an article about Proverbs 3:3, GotQuestions.org wrote:"In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, the Lord's commands were to be written on the people's hearts, impressed upon their children, talked about frequently, tied as symbols on their hands, bound on their foreheads, written on the doorframes of their houses and on the city gates as a constant reminder. The idea was to take these virtues not merely as external codes to live by but to receive them into our minds and hearts so that they govern our motives and become part of our very nature."
(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/write-mercy-truth-tablet-heart.html)
DECEMBER 1-2
Marriage and Divorce
Mark 10:2: "And the Pharisees [Jewish religious leaders--see note below*] came to him [Jesus], and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [divorce] his wife ['for every cause' (as is written in Matthew 19:3)]? tempting him [Jesus] [to say the wrong thing (or trying to 'trip him up' in his answer)]."
Mark 10:3-4: "And he [Jesus] answered and said unto them [the Pharisees], What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered [allowed] [a Jewish man] to write a bill of divorcement [divorce], and to put [send] her [his wife] away."
Mark 10:5-6: "And Jesus answered and said unto them [the Pharisees], For [due to] the hardness of your heart he [Moses] wrote you this precept [rule of behavior, permitting divorce]. But from the beginning of the creation[,] God made them [Adam and Eve, the first people on earth] male and female."
Mark 10:7-8: "For this cause [for this reason, meaning marriage,] shall a man leave his father and mother [and no longer live with them], and [shall] cleave to [join together and live with] his wife; And they twain [two, or both] shall be one flesh [or be closely united with one another--legally, physically, and with mutual (shared) interests, love, etc.]: so then they are no more twain [two separate souls], but one flesh."
Mark 10:9: "What [who] therefore God hath [has] joined together [in marriage], let not man put asunder [tear apart, divide, separate]."
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Due to the hard hearts of the Jewish people, Moses temporarily allowed divorce. However, God's original intention and desire was that all marriages would last forever.* * * * *
Note: You may be familiar with Mark 10:9, as it is sometimes quoted by people who officiate (conduct) wedding ceremonies.* * * * *
*Pharisees were members of a religious sect (group) who considered themselves to be more righteous (virtuous, honorable, morally right) than other Jews. They believed in strict observance of religious ceremonies and practices and in adherence (obedience) to oral (spoken) laws and traditions. They also believed in an afterlife (life after death, as in heaven and hell) and the coming of a Messiah (savior).____________________
GotQuestions.org has an article entitled "Who were the Pharisees?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html.
