Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a godless fool who gets plenty to eat, a contemptible woman who gets married, and a servant who displaces her mistress. (Proverbs 30:21–23) I lived in an earthquake country for four decades. I mean real earthquake country as …
Series Archives:
22220.052 Seven Things on God’s “Hate List”
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs …
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22220.053 “Home Sweet Home”…or Not
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. (Proverbs 17:1) Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging [spouse]. (Proverbs 21:19) Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome [spouse]. (Proverbs 21:9) I heard of …
22220.054 “Stop Yelling at Me!”
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise use knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV) And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious; her feet …
22220.055 Will Lady Luck Help Out?
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:33) So they [the disciples] nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic …
22220.056 Humble Pie … with a Really Tough Crust
He [God] mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. (Proverbs 3:34) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2) Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 15:33) Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. (Proverbs …
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22220.057 Shut up!
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. (Proverbs 17:28) Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. (Proverbs 10:19) Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23) Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a …
22220.058 The Divine Right of the King
Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. (Proverbs 16:13) He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. (Proverbs 22:11) Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before …
22220.059 The “Hundred-Lash” Rule
A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him. (Proverbs 17:10-11) Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. (Proverbs 19:25) We’ve all seen …
22220.060 Building a Legacy
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. (Proverbs 10:7) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1) A good person leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored …