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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 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?

PROVERBS 9 ON TEACHING OR CORRECTING FOOLS

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October 3

PROVERBS 9

7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
    reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
    and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
    if you scoff, you alone will bear it. – Proverbs 9:7-12

PROVERBS 9 ON TEACHING OR CORRECTING FOOLS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Do not waste your time on teaching or correcting fools

When you correct scoffers, be prepared to be abused

They do not like to be told that what they are doing wrong

They will fight back if you instruct or tell them what to do

When you teach a scoffer something, they will oppose you

Their pride will be hurt and they don’t want to appear dumb.

Solomon warns us on dealing with the wicked, the fools and the scoffers. It is wise for us to be aware of all these people who do not know the Lord. Those who are puffed up with so much pride won’t listen to anyone because they think they know it all. They think highly of themselves which do not give any accommodation to other’s opinion or wisdom.

Solomon tells us that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.  So, how can an unbeliever even have insight or wisdom if he does not know the Lord? When you see the signs of haughtiness, pride and self-centeredness, run away from these people and do not waste your precious time teaching them or giving them advice. They will just trample on or twist anything you say. No need to give pearls to the pigs.

REFLECTION

  • Share an experience trying to put some sense in foolish or wicked people.

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM IS LIFE

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October 1

PROVERBS 8

32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
    and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
    and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
    all who hate me love death.”

                                                  – Proverbs 8:32-36

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM IS LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you hear wisdom calling you, do not run

Instead, listen to it and you will find life

When she calls you, follow her advice

If you don’t, you will experience darkness.

So many people fail to listen to the truth that only comes from the word of God. Even in the midst of believers, we still hear of those people who do not follow wise words. Solomon gives us the benefits and also the detrimental effects of not following wisdom.

When we hear it, there is still a response that is expected from all those who heard it. They ought to do it and follow what it says. That is the only way it could bring them life. Just like the book of James says in 1:22 to be doers of the word and not hearers only because when we just hear and not do it, we become deceived. Deception then leads to more lies, confusion and sin. Habitual sins draw us away from the light that only comes from Scripture, thereby leaving us groping in the dark. So, now that Solomon gives us a clear picture of the benefits of heeding wisdom against the disadvantages of not following it, why are there still many of us who do not listen and follow her?

REFLECTION

  • What could be some reasons why people do not heed wisdom?

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM’S HISTORY

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September 30

PROVERBS 8

22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
    when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;

    when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,

   so that the waters might not transgress his command,
   when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,

   and I was daily hisdelight, rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

                                                                – Proverbs 8:22-31

PROVERBS 8 WISDOM’S HISTORY

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Wisdom began even before God made the earth and the heaven

She was with God when he designed every detail of his creation

She was responsible for the shaping of the earth, its mountains and hills

Even when He established the heavens, wisdom was with him.

In these following verses, Solomon continues to describe wisdom but in relation to her history. He describes wisdom’s existence that goes far back before creation. She was with God when he created the heavens and the earth and everything else in creation. She was a master workman in all that he did. All the nature we see around us, wisdom had some contribution in the making of everything that God did.

What an important aspect of life wisdom is! God even shared with us such wisdom through his word. Why wouldn’t we want to pursue it if it has so many benefits to it?

REFLECTION

  • How important is wisdom in the life of a believer?