The verse below is one of many in the Bible which cautions us about our speech.
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
As is the case with some Hebrew poetry, there is a direct contrast portraying a negative and a positive concept. Continue reading
Too many times in our society, people promote themselves and take credit whether it’s due or not. This is a prideful way of acting and one that was foreign to a remarkable man named Daniel.
We find Daniel in the second chapter of the book bearing his name facing certain death. King Nebuchadnezzar has ordered that all the wise men be put to death because they could not tell Nebuchadnezzar what he had been dreaming about or what it meant. Daniel petitions the captain of the guard to take him to the king. Upon his appearance, Daniel asks the king for some time and is granted it (Dan. 2:1-16). Continue reading
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. (Exodus 14:10-12)
The Israelites had been in bondage to the Egyptians for some 400 years. They had just left after God miraculous deliverance of them through ten plagues. They are free.
One would think that their faith in God would be at an all-time high. However, this was not the case. Continue reading
Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
The truth of this verse plays itself out over and over again in daily life. As is common in Hebrew poetry, the first part of the verse stands in contrast to the last part.
If a person is wise then they will receive commandments. “Receive” should be understood as “listen” or “obey”. It doesn’t mean that a person will get more rules to follow, but rather it means that he/she is receptive to instruction. Continue reading
Psalm 55:16-17 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
David spent a good portion of his life running from his enemies. Psalm 55 chronicles his reaction to one such instance. He calls upon the LORD in his time of trouble. This is a very wise thing to do. Difficult times are when the people of God should draw close to God, seeking protection and strength. It is at these times when we recognize very clearly our weakness and dependence. Continue reading