Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

PROVERBS 11 THE BENEFIT OF SEEKING GOD

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October 14

PROVERBS 11

25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered.
26 The people curse him who holds back grain,
    but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,
    but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
    but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,
    and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

    and whoever captures souls is wise.
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,
    how much more the wicked and the sinner!

                                                 – Proverbs 11:25-31

PROVERBS 11 THE BENEFIT OF SEEKING GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When a person serves the Lord, they seek good

They do not make a habit of doing wrong

They faithfully obey the laws of the Lord

Which results in overcoming the ways of the world

They prioritize to please the God they serve

Which results in an outpouring of blessings.

Solomon continues to enumerate some of the aftermath or benefits of seeking God in the last verses of this chapter in the book of Proverbs. One of the results of seeking righteousness is the outpouring of blessings. Those who seek God flourish like a green leaf as verse 28 describes. They are like a tree planted by the riverbank where their leaf never withers or gets dried up because they are nourished by the water. Christ is the living water that keeps us fed and constantly alive.

REFLECTION

  • What benefits have you reaped after you committed to serving God?

PROVERBS 11 A CROOKED HEART IS AN ABOMINATION TO GOD

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October 13

PROVERBS 11

19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,
    but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,
    but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
    another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

                                                          – Proverbs 11:19-24

PROVERBS 11 A CROOKED HEART IS AN ABOMINATION TO GOD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The Lord hates those who do evil, it is a disgrace to him

Those who continue to live in sin will not go unpunished

But those who are devoted to righteousness will be blessed

Their children will receive blessings and be delivered

All those who generously give and extend help to others will prosper

While those who withhold what they have to others will surely suffer.

Many people think they can go on doing wicked things without any consequences, but eventually, they will not go unpunished. Solomon describes how God hates evil in these following verses. It is an abomination to the Lord. Solomon talks about the things that the Lord hates in Proverbs 6:16-18: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Here in verse 20, he sums up all these things God hates as done by people who have a crooked heart.

So, how can one avoid this crooked heart that we all by nature have? Solomon gives us an answer in these following verses. Those who are blameless, pure and seek to pursue righteousness will surely be receiving many blessings and also have deliverance from sin.

REFLECTION

  • Can someone who does not know God go against his sinful nature? Why or why not?

PROVERBS 11 ON BELITTLING

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October 11

PROVERBS 11

7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,
    and the expectation of wealthperishes too.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
    and the wicked walks into it instead.
9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
    but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
    and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
    but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding remains silent.

                                                             – Proverbs 11:7-12

PROVERBS 11 ON BELITTLING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one has wisdom, he is impartial and understanding

But a man who lacks sense will be discriminating

If one walks the way of the righteous, he is unbiased

But the one who are wicked will have preferences

When one belittles others, they show their foolishness

But one who remains silent is full of wisdom and awareness.

Solomon explains why people belittle others in verse 12. These people do not have understanding. They lack sense. But the book of James has a half chapter of explanation for this sin. He calls it the sin of partiality. He says that those who believe in Christ must not take part in having biases or preferences. He gives the example of selecting people based on how they appear when they come to the place of worship. If you give preference and treat the richly dressed well and belittle someone poorly clothed, you have made distinctions and become evil judges.

Solomon warns us to watch out that we do not belittle others for it shows foolishness.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think people belittle others?

PROVERBS 11 THE BLAMELESS’ WAY VERSUS THE WICKED’S PATH

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October 10

PROVERBS 11

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
    but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
    but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
    but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,
    but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
    but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.

                                                             – Proverbs 11:1-6

PROVERBS 11 THE BLAMELESS’ WAY VERSUS THE WICKED’S PATH

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Blessed are the meek for they will possess wisdom and knowledge

The proud and the wicked on the other hand will be destroyed

Those who are honest and faithful in walking in uprightness

They will receive much guidance, protection, favors and blessings

Those who continue to do wicked things are driven by their lusts

But the blameless do not give in to their cravings and desires

The path of the righteous leads to life as they walk in love

The way of the wicked leads to death as they cave in to lust.

This proverb of Solomon reiterates Psalm 1 of David where he describes the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Solomon lays down the consequences of a life choice that is guided by either righteousness or wickedness. He talks about justice, humility, integrity and love of earthly riches. Just like how David pointed out the blessings received from living a righteous life, Solomon also enumerates the consequences of choices we make based on treading the path of uprightness against wickedness.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important for us to be aware of the choices we make in life?

PROVERBS 10 WHAT RIGHTEOUSNESS & WICKEDNESS BRING

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October 9

PROVERBS 10

25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
    but the righteous is established forever.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
    so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,  but destruction to evildoers.
30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,

    but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
    but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

                                                                    – Proverbs 10:25-32

PROVERBS 10 WHAT RIGHTEOUSNESS & WICKEDNESS BRING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

To the righteous, blessings and wisdom are bountiful

But to the wicked, destruction and chaos abound

When the righteous speaks, it brings much sense

The wicked people’s lips speak only what is perverse

Those who live in the ways of the Lord have so much joy

The evildoers on the other hand thrive in dissatisfaction.

In these following verses, Solomon continues to show us the benefits of doing what is right and expose the ill effects of doing evil. I particularly want to focus on verse 28 when he says “the expectation of the wicked will perish.” Expectations can lead us to hopelessness, frustrations, dissatisfaction and discouragement. When our expectations do not happen, we can get stuck on having that expectation fulfilled. Because our nature is so sinful, it is a good reminder that our expectations can be very selfish and self-serving. We need to have expectancy instead. We need to focus on expecting God’s promises to be fulfilled because it will never let us down.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important to recognize the consequences of doing evil and doing good?

PROVERBS 10 ON GUARDING ONE’S MOUTH

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October 8

PROVERBS 10

19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
    the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,

         but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,

         and he adds no sorrow with it.
23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
  but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
  but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

                                                           – Proverbs 10:19-24

PROVERBS 10 ON GUARDING ONE’S MOUTH

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we open our mouth to say something

We must be concise and use less words when speaking

The more words we use, the more occasion to be sinning

The righteous person guards his mouth and restrains it

The mouth of the righteous benefits others and make sense

Those who are foolish destroy others for they speak lies.

It is a challenge to guard our mouths. In the book of James, we are cautioned about the tongue which is a very small part of our body but can create much good or havoc in our lives. In chapter 3 James compares the tongue to a rudder of a ship and also to a small fire. As a rudder, it leads a very big ship and guides and directs it wherever the ship goes. As a small fire, it can set a whole forest ablaze. It is a very small member but it boasts of many things. Solomon speaks about the importance of guarding our mouths because it can either lead us and others to sin. The more we talk, the more we open doors for the enemy to twist our words. He suggests being prudent and concise with our words.

REFLECTION

·       How can many words lead us to sin?

PROVERBS 10 ON HEEDING INSTRUCTION & REJECTING REPROOF

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October 7

PROVERBS 10

13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
    but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14 The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
15 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
    but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
    and whoever utters slander is a fool.– Proverbs 10:13-18

PROVERBS 10 ON HEEDING INSTRUCTION & REJECTING REPROOF

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

There is a wise man whose lips has understanding and wisdom

But the mouth of a foolish person brings chaos and ruin

Those who have wisdom follow the Lord’s instructions

But those who are wicked reject any form of correction

Whoever heeds instruction is on their way to life

But he who does not listen to reproof leads others to lies.

Solomon continues to give us wise advice for our lives in these following verses. He describes the contrast between the wise and the fools once again. I’d like to focus on the heeding and rejecting instruction here. Since God himself gave us a navigation tool to life in his laws and commandments, it is beneficial for us to follow them instead of rejecting them. Solomon lays down the consequences of heeding instructions against defying them.

In verse 17, he clearly gives us a picture of what happens to us if we choose not to obey God’s laws. It leads us to deception and lies. In the book of James chapter 3, he describes the wisdom that comes from above. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. When we don’t heed God’s word, we become deceived and will surely lead others astray.

REFLECTION

  • What do you think of Christians who reject God’s laws?

PROVERBS 10 ON INTEGRITY VERSUS DISHONESTY

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October 6

PROVERBS 10

7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
    but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments,
    but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble,
    and a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

                                                            – Proverbs 10:7-12

PROVERBS 10 ON INTEGRITY VERSUS DISHONESTY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you follow the commandments of the Lord

You will not live a dishonest life in this world

Walking in integrity is a sure manifestation of righteousness

While deceitfulness leads a person in trouble and darkness

When you speak the truth in love, you bring life

When you lie and have a double-mind, you bring death.

There are many people who think that truth is relative and preferential, but truth is absolute. In a world where the focus is on the “self” it can be a challenge to decipher what is true and what isn’t. Solomon laid down for us the contrast between integrity versus dishonesty. Those who receive and obey the Lord’s commands will have a life of honesty and integrity. They are not necessarily perfect but they don’t deceive themselves into thinking that they are sinless. They humbly admit their weaknesses and acknowledge a God who is bigger than them. On the other hand, those who do not heed the laws of the Lord or serve him, will definitely serve themselves and do everything for the “self.” This “self-centered” life leads them into all kinds of deceptions and lies.

REFLECTION

  • How can a life of deception lead to ruin eventually?

PROVERBS 10 CONTRASTS IN LIFE

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October 5

PROVERBS 10

The proverbs of Solomon.

A wise son makes a glad father,
    but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
    but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
    but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 A slack hand causes poverty,
    but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
    but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

                                                                                                                – Proverbs 10:1-6

PROVERBS 10 CONTRASTS IN LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

There is going to be evil and good and ups and downs in life

The things that happen to us are consequences of our picks

If we choose to tread the way of wickedness

We will surely reap the path to darkness

If we hunger for the righteous life and for serving the Lord

We will always have a harvest of God’s spirit and overcome the world.

In this world, there are contrasts everywhere. There is good and there is also evil. How our lives are affected by these forces is dependent on the choices and decisions we make. As Solomon described what a foolish or wise son brings to his parents. It is either they make them glad or they can bring trouble. Imagine how it was in paradise before Eve and Adam sinned? It was mostly good and perfect. But after the sin, contrasts came into being. We now have to fight our tendencies for evil instead of acting on it. Since God made us for himself, we ought to live our lives for righteousness instead of evil.

REFLECTION

·       What contrasts do you or have experienced that pose challenges in your life?

PROVERBS 9 FOLLY’S INVITATION TO SIN

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October 4

PROVERBS 9

13 The woman Folly is loud;
    she is seductiveand knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
    she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
    who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the deadare there,
    that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

                                                  – Proverbs 9:13-18

PROVERBS 9 FOLLY’S INVITATION TO SIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Folly is always at the door of her house looking for victims

She is loud to ensure that attention is focused on her effectively

She even sits on a chair so she could be noticed by passers by

She calls the simple to further drag them into the pit of darkness

If you get lured by Folly, you are entering the abode of the dead

Be watchful of her tactics, she wants you to get down the depths of hell.

Solomon speaks of Wisdom earlier than these following verses. Here, he describes the tactics of Folly in order to seduce and lure those who are simple and have no sense. It is the same people that Wisdom calls so that they can have a better life. On the other hand, Folly operates differently. She entices them to sin and do what is immoral but pleasurable, leading them to further darkness. It is easy to follow the way of Folly because we already are sinful by nature. But what are the rewards of following her way? It leads one to the depths of hell. Momentary pleasure does not last long because God didn’t design us to live for our pleasures. He made us so we can give him glory and have life.

REFLECTION

  • How can we avoid the invitation of folly in our lives?