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PROVERBS 13 WALK WITH THE WISE

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October 21

PROVERBS 13

15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
    but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

                                                               – Proverbs 13:15-20

PROVERBS 13 WALK WITH THE WISE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are in the company of wise people, you become wise

But if you are surrounded by fools, you will become one as well

Those who follow the way of the righteous will have good sense

But those who defy truth do not know what is good for them

So, walk with the wise so you can live a life of freedom

If you choose to be with fools, you will surely suffer harm.

Have you ever had an encounter with stubborn, haughty and deceived people? They think they know what they are talking about but they use a lot of words and yet they are empty and do not make sense. Just spend an hour with them and you will be exhausted because they just go around in circles and never drive their point. That is because they don’t have a clue what they are saying. They are great pretenders trying to appear they know things because their minds are actually empty and meaningless.

Now have you ever been in the company of righteous and wise people? Your mind gets awakened and they are very concise and clear with what they are saying. They make their points come across because they speak truth and not lies. They don’t go in circles. They mean what they say and use less words.  They also walk their talk. Surround yourself with these wise people and before you know it, you will be infected by their wisdom.

REFLECTION

  • Share an experience you’ve had with wise people and how they affected you.

PROVERBS 12 WISE IN HIS OWN EYES

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October 17

PROVERBS 12

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
    but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
    but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous,
    but the wicked are filled with trouble.

                                                       – Proverbs 12:15-21

PROVERBS 12 WISE IN HIS OWN EYES

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The wise do not assume they know things, they seek counsel

Fools on the other hand don’t care about other people’s guidance

A fool is right in his own eyes, he has tunnel vision

The wise are humble and consult truthful viewpoint

When someone think highly of himself, he is depraved

The wise in their own eyes bring confusion and conflict.

Have you ever encountered people who always think they are right and never listen to anyone’s viewpoint or advice? I have known so many people like these. What drives them to be like this? When one does not recognize a higher being than them, they will surely think that they are the center of the universe. Everything revolves around them and that everyone must acknowledge them and bow down to them. This is called idolatry. When one defies the truth that someone who is higher than them, they become fools.

REFLECTION

  • What happens when you argue with people who are wise in their own eyes?

PROVERBS 11 WHEN THERE IS NO GUIDANCE

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PROVERBS

October 12

PROVERBS 11

13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
    but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
    but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
    but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
18   The wicked earns deceptive wages,

   but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.

                                                                   – Proverbs 11:13-18

PROVERBS 11 WHEN THERE IS NO GUIDANCE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one does not seek counsel, he will surely fall

It is unwise to think that you know it all

The Lord knows all things and sees all things

It is foolish to think that you can stand on your own

When there is no guidance, there is chaos and destruction

A wise person listens to advice; a wicked man ignores it.

Solomon continues to lay down differences between the righteous and the wicked and the consequences that their actions bring about. Verse 14 of this chapter stood out to me as it lays the foundation for living a life of humility and dependence on God. All the resources God provides for us comes from him alone and we ought to humbly glorify him with what we were given. Arrogance and pride are opposites of humility which lead people to bring glory to themselves instead of thanking and praising God.

A proud and arrogant person would never acknowledge the existence of God because that will defy his self love. Naturally, they would never seek counsel from anyone since that would mean that they are not the center of the universe. Because of their foolishness, they will surely fail and fall in whatever they pursue.

REFLECTION

  • What does Romans 1:28 say about those who do not acknowledge God?

PROVERBS 9 WISDOM BUILT HER HOUSE AND THROWS A FEAST

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October 2

PROVERBS 9

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her beasts;

she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her young women to call
    from the highest places in the town,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    To him who lacks sense she says,
5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple waysand live, and walk in the way of insight.”

                                                  – Proverbs 9:1-9

PROVERBS 9 WISDOM BUILT HER HOUSE AND THROWS A FEAST

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Despite, being a woman, wisdom built her house with a great foundation

Then she prepares food and wine to throw a big celebration

She sent out messengers to invite people and share her insights to all

She especially calls the simple and the foolish to partake of what she offers.

It is interesting how Solomon described Wisdom as a woman who built her own house. In our do-it-yourself age, it is not a surprise for a woman to build her house, but in the time of Solomon, it was the men who were responsible to build houses and buildings. Solomon depicts to us an extraordinarily strong woman here. She built her house with many pillars. According to a commentary by Poole, many pillars; whereby is intimated both the beauty and stability of the church. Pillars, prophets and apostles and ministers of holy things, which in Scripture are called pillars as Galatians 2:9 indicates.

Another commentary of Ross says “So just as one would prepare a banquet and invite guests, wisdom prepares to press her appeal. Allthis imagery lets the simpleton know that what wisdom has to offer is marvelous.” Wisdom appeals to the simple and those who lack sense. Will they respond to this invitation and benefit to make their lives better?

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think Wisdom prepared a big banquet and invited those who are simple and without sense instead of those who already are full of insights?
  • Why do you think some people stay blind and not want to have wisdom?

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM CALLS

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September 28

PROVERBS 8

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels, all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

                                                                – Proverbs 8:1-11

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM CALLS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Wisdom calls everyone especially the simple one the fools

Wisdom pleads you to follow him in order to tread the right path

From His wisdom, we only hear the utter truth

There are no lies or wickedness coming from his mouth

His words bring edification and blessing to those who accept his call

Follow his instruction and treasure it for it is better than gold.

It is interesting how Solomon personified wisdom in this book. He treats her like a person who lovingly calls everyone to make use of her so that their lives will be beneficial. She cries out loud so that she can be heard. It almost gives us a picture of people not listening to her enough so she had to speak louder. Wisdom sees the folly of those who do not want to heed her call. It reminds me of parents who constantly warn and give guidance to their children so that they do not endanger themselves or fall into the deadly traps of the enemy. Wisdom gives counsel especially to those who are ignorant and uninformed of the truth and those who are foolish. She tells them how important it is to know her so that they won’t fall prey to those who would want to devour them.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think Solomon used the female gender for wisdom in this book?

PROVERBS 5 BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR LOVED ONES

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September 17

PROVERBS 5
15 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.
16 Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice
in the wife of your youth,19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman
and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.
– Proverbs 515-23

PROVERBS 5 BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR LOVED ONES
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you commit to the one you love, you need to be faithful
Never let other people corrupt and tempt you to break your vow
Continue to love the one you had made a covenant with
Enjoy deep intimacy with them and don’t let love slip away
Do not be tempted to look out for other sources of enjoyment
Stay faithful to your beloved so you won’t be trapped by evil.

In these following verses, Solomon warns the young men to stay faithful to their beloved wives. This was a lesson on how sex can be wonderful between husbands and wives. Solomon advises young men never to get involved with other women and stay faithful to their loved ones. Solomon depicts the beauty of sex in marriage and the ugliness of fornication with those outside of it. It is sad how the world has corrupted the sanctity of sex in marriage. According to Wiersbe “Solomon compares enjoying married love to drinking pure water from a fresh well, but committing sexual sin is like drinking polluted water from the gutter or sewer…. To commit sexual sin is to pour this beautiful river into the streets and the public squares. What waste!”

REFLECTION
• Why is it important to enjoy your marriage bed according to Solomon?

PROVERBS 3 HOW TO PROLONG YOUR LIFE

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September 7

PROVERBS 3

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good successin the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your fleshand refreshment to your bones.

                                                                     – Proverbs 3:1-8

PROVERBS 3 HOW TO PROLONG YOUR LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you want to add days and years to your life

Do not forget the truth from God’s words and his laws

Never allow love and faithfulness to leave you

Trust always in the Lord with all your heart and soul

Do not rely on your own understanding, be renewed by his word

When you follow all his commands, your life will be prolonged.

Many people think that they can control the length of their lives. Solomon tells us the secrets to a long life in these following verses from his wise sayings. He says that it is important for us to keep God’s laws in our hearts and follow them faithfully. He also says that we must walk in love and be devoted to the Lord. One of the most interesting pieces of advice he said in this book is that we must never trust our own understanding and that we must always look up to the Lord for he alone can guide us towards the right path.

The fear of the Lord is another key ingredient to prolong our lives. When we revere and acknowledge God in all our ways, we will automatically turn away from evil. Our wounds get healed and our hearts are refreshed.

REFLECTION

  • How is the world’s formula for prolonging life different from God’s view?

EXODUS 36 BUILDING THE TEN CURTAINS FOR THE TABERNACLE

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August 28

EXODUS 36

8 And all the craftsmen among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains. They were made of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked. 9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains were the same size.10 He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another. 11 He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain of the first set. Likewise he made them on the edge of the outermost curtain of the second set. 12 He made fifty loops on the one curtain, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was in the second set. The loops were opposite one another. 13 And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to the other with clasps. So the tabernacle was a single whole.

                                                                   – Exodus 36:8-13

EXODUS 36 BUILDING THE TEN CURTAINS FOR THE TABERNACLE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

After the Lord assigned all the craftsmen to work on the tabernacle

All the craftsmen began making the ten curtains of the house of the Lord

Blue, purple and scarlet yarns were used for the building of this place

All the curtains were similar in sizes and grouped in two sets of fives.

There were only specific types of materials used which were fine twined linen and only three colors which were blue, purple and scarlet. According to the inspired scripture.com website, the fine linens pointed toward the unified and purified body of Jesus.2 Peter 1:4 and Colossians 1:22,27 says that as a believer, Jesus has imparted some of His righteousness to believers by making them holy with his blood. Blue symbolizes heaven. It is only through Jesus that we can have access to heaven. Purple symbolizes his royalty as “King of kings.” As mentioned in Revelation. The scarlet material symbolizes his blood that was poured out to atone for our sins as revealed in Revelation 7:14 and Hebrews 9:14. The ten curtains joined together as one symbolizes the divine order that comes from living out of love and not obligations and the 50 loops and clasps symbolize the freedom from sorrow that comes from living within the protection of his Covenant.

REFLECTION

·       What can you learn from the making of the ten curtains by God’s chosen craftsmen?

EXODUS 28 GOD SELECTS HIS PRIESTS

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July 24

EXODUS 28

 “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. 4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. 5 They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. – Exodus 28:1-5

EXODUS 28 GOD SELECTS HIS PRIESTS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The Lord asked Moses to call on his brother Aaron and his sons

Aaron, Abihu Eleazar and Ithamar were handpicked by the Lord

Moses was instructed to make garments for his brother and their sons

Breastpiece, ephod, robe, coat, sash and turban are to be their garments

The Lord provided artisans to skillfully make them for the priests

They were to use gold, blue and purple and scarlet fine twined linen.

Why did God choose Aaron and his sons as high priests? Even though they were sinful, the Lord picked them. Once again, this election of priests was to foreshadow the role of Jesus Christ as priest.  Although Jesus didn’t come from Aaron’s lineage, Christ himself was chosen by God to become a high priest. He is a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek. Since Melchizedek is without father or mother, some commentaries attribute this as “eternal” just as Jesus is without beginning and without end as well.

The role of a priest is to intercede for the people in bringing their offerings and sacrifices to God for the atonement of their sins. Jesus did more than that. He became the offering when he died for us.

God specified to Moses the garments that were to be made for the priests. He wants them clothed in special garments to represent Christ’s royalty and priesthood.

REFLECTION

  • What garments should God’s people wear according to Colossians 3:12-14?

EXODUS 19 GOD’S PRESENCE FELT IN MOUNT SINAI

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June 24

EXODUS 19

16 On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. 20 The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. – Exodus 19:16-20

EXODUS 19 GOD’S PRESENCE FELT IN MOUNT SINAI

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Moses instructed them to cleanse from their impurities in three days

On the morning of the third day, the mountain was covered by a thick cloud

Then a very loud trumpet blast was heard and they were all trembling

Then Moses presented them to God and they stood at the foot of the mountain

The Lord descended on the mountain on fire and smoke enveloped them

God’s presence was felt and his voice in thunder was heard by his people.

This is a very powerful meeting between God and his people. They didn’t literally see God but the Lord surely made his powerful and glorious presence felt. No one else could have that power to come down in fire and be covered with smoke. God’s love for his people was clearly manifested in this smoke because they would have all died if they directly saw him. Imagine wildfires in the mountains. You could barely see anything because of all the smoke produced by these fires. I am sure you will be totally scared and trembling in fear.  The power of this burning heat that turns into smoke is overwhelming. I remember as a child experiencing a market on fire just beside our house. I could hear the crackling of the fire burning the building and saw the smoke that it produced. It was an unforgettable experience. I can imagine why the Israelites were all trembling. God showed his Almighty Power and Majesty through his Shekeniah (presence of God in the world). His glorious power should remind us how he hates sin and evil and his desire for our holiness as well.

REFLECTION

  • How is fear of the Lord very different from the world’s concept of “fear?”