Tag Archives: poetry

November 12

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PROVERBS 17

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 17:16-20

PROVERBS 17 WHEN ONE IGNORES INSTRUCTION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one doesn’t listen to counsel from wise people

He will encounter difficulties, poverty and disgrace

When a parent brings up his children in wisdom and truth

That child learns to obey and follow directions

But when children are left on their own without reproof

They also learn how to be defiant and ignore instructions.

Paul instructs the Ephesian church as to the importance of bringing up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord in Ephesians 6:1-4. He mentions that to honor your parents is the first commandment with a promise. Things will go well with those who obey their parents. There is also strict instruction to the fathers not to provoke their children in anger but to discipline them in God’s laws.

Solomon gives us the result when people ignore instructions in verse 18 which leads to poverty and disgrace. In Proverbs 29:15 he says that the rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. He further admonishes parents to discipline your child and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. It is sad that in today’s world, many parents don’t bring up their children in God’s instructions.

REFLECTION

  • Share some insights regarding lack of discipline in children in our society now.

PROVERBS 17 THOSE WHO SEEK REBELLION

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November 11

PROVERBS 17

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion,
    and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs
    rather than a fool in his folly.
13 If anyone returns evil for good,
    evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

                                                                    – Proverbs 17:11-15

PROVERBS 17 THOSE WHO SEEK REBELLION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Those who love to go against authority seek rebellion

They do not respect anyone else but themselves alone

Whoever stirs up an insurgence is doing it against the Lord himself

God placed authorities in our lives so we can be accountable to them

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as idols

When we rebel, we are defying God’s laws and dishonoring the Lord.

Solomon described in this proverb that rebellion is an act of an evil person. Romans 13:1-2 says that everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So, anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Paul continues to explain in verses 4-5 that authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So, you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. So those who don’t submit to authority are rebels.

REFLECTION

  • How is rebellion the sin of witchcraft as 1 Samuel 15:23 says?

PROVERBS 17 ON COVERING AN OFFENSE

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November 10

PROVERBS 17

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
    and the glory of children is their fathers.
7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a prince.
8 A bribe is like a magicstone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns he prospers.
9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love,
    but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding
    than a hundred blows into a fool.

                                                                    – Proverbs 17:6-10

PROVERBS 17 ON COVERING AN OFFENSE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Love is patient, kind and doesn’t give up

It is not easily offended and slow to react

To cover an offense is a manifestation of love

Those who do not love, holds on to faults

When one covers an offense, he shows forgiveness

When one holds on to offense, they are unrighteous.

One of the hardest things to do is to let go of offense. Because we are fallen people and have inherited sin from Adam and Eve, we automatically get offended. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he described what the way of love. It is very different from how the world defines love. He says that the way of love manifests patience, kindness, humility, doesn’t hold on to wrongdoings, forgiving, rejoices with truth, believes all things, endures all things and never gives up. The world’s way on the other hand is the opposite. It is quick to react, harsh, arrogant and hides the truth, easily gives up and focuses on the self.

Covering an offense is a loving manifestation of a forgiving heart. When we let go of offense and focus on forgiving, we close the doors to Satan to eliminate us from being his prey that he can devour.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it important to cover the offenses that others have committed to us?

PROVERBS 16 WHEN ONE IS SLOW TO ANGER

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November 8

PROVERBS 16

30 Whoever winks his eyes plan dishonest things;
    he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;
    it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is from the Lord.

                                                                    – Proverbs 16:30-33

PROVERBS 16 WHEN ONE IS SLOW TO ANGER

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one has patience and can control his temper

He is better than the strong and the mighty

When one isn’t easily provoked, he will gain friends

But the one who is quick to get angry is avoided

Whoever exercises control over his mouth and emotions

He is stronger because he does not give in to dysregulation.

There are some things that are hard to control in our lives. One of them is our tongue. The book of James explains in chapter 3 that the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. He says that animals can be tamed but the tongue of man is untameable. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison and is set on fire by hell. So, since we all have a tongue that is impossible to be tamed, it is probably wise for us know how to control our mouths. From the same mouth we can either bless or curse someone. When we are angry, most likely the tongue will manifest it through harsh or cruel words and can be followed by the hand or other parts of our bodies that can hurt others. Anger in itself is not a sin but Paul says in Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil”. No wonder Solomon stresses the importance of being slow to anger and how valuable it is. He thinks that when one is slow to anger, he is stronger than the mighty.

REFLECTION

  • How is controlling our mouths the beginning of controlling anger?

PROVERBS 16 A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT

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November 7

PROVERBS 16

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death.
26 A worker’s appetite works for him;
    his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor
    and leads him in a way that is not good.

                                                                    – Proverbs 16:25-29

PROVERBS 16 A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

There is a way that seems right but leads to death

It only takes care that a man’s interests are satisfied

This path caters to all that is comfortable and easy

There is no room for hard and difficult in this journey

The way that seems right does not want endurance

This path does not create relationships and character

The way that is truly right is the one that leads to God

It is narrow and difficult because this path leads to life.

We live in a world where most people hug and hoard comfort and an easy life. The world system has corrupted our minds thinking that the easy way is the right way. It may seem right because it caters for getting your desires met but it actually leads to spiritual death.

It is okay for unbelievers to take this path because they do not know the Lord, but Christian must watch which road to take because in Luke 9:23, Jesus requires his followers to deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow him. To deny oneself means to cater to the way of the Spirit rather than satisfying the cravings of the flesh. So, the right path isn’t supposed to be easy and comfortable.

REFLECTION

  • Why do some people think that the easy way seems to be the right way?

PROVERBS 16 WHEN ONE PLEASES THE LORD

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November 4

PROVERBS 16

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
9 The heart of man plans his way,
    but the Lord establishes his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of a king;
    his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are the Lord’s;
    all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
    for the throne is established by righteousness.

                                                                    – Proverbs 16:7-12

PROVERBS 16 WHEN ONE PLEASES THE LORD

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When one pleases the Lord, he walks in righteousness

His life’s purpose is to follow God’s commandments

The righteous fills his mind with God’s truth

He chooses only what the Lord wills him to do

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he is at peace

Even those who hate him sees God’s favor on him

When one’s aim is to please God, he will have God’s favor

There’s an overflow of blessings and a harvest of the Spirit’s fruits.

Who were some bible characters who pleased God? We know of Enoch whose faith pleased God and he was spared to experience death. He was taken up into heaven without dying. Abraham received God’s favor and was called the friend of God. Moses also received God’s favor and was blessed with seeing God’s glory. And of course, Jesus pleased God with his humility and his obedience and sacrificial love and God called him Beloved Son in whom he is well-pleased.

REFLECTION

  • What benefits have you received when you please the Lord?

PROVERBS 16 WARNING TO THE ARROGANT

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November 3

PROVERBS 16

The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
    be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

                                                                    – Proverbs 16:1-6

PROVERBS 16 WARNING TO THE ARROGANT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Watch out you haughty and arrogant people!

Your pride will not go unpunished and unnoticed

Everyone who are wise in their own eyes will crash

Be wary for you will all come falling down

Thinking that you are better than anyone

Is an abomination to the Lord your God.

Why do you think God hates the proud? Did he make us in his image so we can think highly of ourselves? Solomon warns us of arrogance in verse 5. He says that it is an abomination to the Lord. The Hebrew word tōʻēḇā is often translated as “abomination” and is primarily used to describe idolatry. In Psalm 10:3-4, the psalmist described the arrogant. It says “ For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain cursesand renounces the Lord. In the pride of his facethe wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” From these supporting verses, we can conclude that arrogance is loathed by God because it is idolatry and does not acknowledge him.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think arrogance is idolatry and why is it such a big sin to God?

PROVERBS 15 THE LORD IS FAR FROM THE WICKED

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November 2

PROVERBS 15

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes the bones.
31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
    will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
    but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility comes before honor.

                                                                    – Proverbs 15:29-33

PROVERBS 15 THE LORD IS FAR FROM THE WICKED

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When someone is wicked, the Lord is far from him

God loathes all kinds of evil and abominates sin

Those who does all kinds of unrighteousness

Must not expect anything from God who is righteous

The Lord is wrathful to all those who loves sin

But he hears the prayers of all those who loves him.

Many unbelievers and people who call themselves Christians but are taught false teachings and do not follow God’s truth think that God is near to all. We witness here in verse 29 that the Lord is far from the wicked. In contrast to that, he hears the prayer of the righteous. Does that mean that prayers of the wicked are not heard by God? If you read between the lines in verse 29, we know that the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes, God does not hear the prayers of the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.”

If you don’t know the word of God, you’d think that he is a biased God. God is righteous and there is nothing evil in him. He cannot go against his character. So, he must loathe evil. It just makes sense that the acts of the wicked are an abomination to him.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think God hears only the prayers of the righteous?

PROVERBS 15 THE KNOWLEDGE SEEKER

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October 30

PROVERBS 15

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,
    but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great treasure and trouble with it.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
    than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
    but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

                                                                    – Proverbs 15:13-18

PROVERBS 15 THE KNOWLEDGE SEEKER

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Those who wants to serve the Lord seeks his truth

He cannot tolerate sin or lies; he exposes what is untrue

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge

Those who love the Lord are kind and empathetic

The knowledge seeker discerns what is evil and good

He constantly pursues what is pleasing to the Lord.

One of the manifestations of a true believer is that he is a knowledge seeker. He pursues truth that gives him the ability to live a life of serving the Lord. The book of James stresses the importance of pursuit of wisdom in chapter 1 verse 5. He says that if anyone lacks wisdom, that person has to ask God who gives generously to all and without reproach. James also expounds that the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Hosea 4:6 also reminds us that people are destroyed for lack of knowledge and rejecting knowledge will lead to detrimental consequences.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it essential for Christians to be knowledge seekers?

PROVERBS 15 GOD SEES ALL THINGS

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October 29









PROVERBS 15



7 The lips of the wise spread
knowledge; not so the hearts of
fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to
the Lord,
    but the prayer of
the upright is acceptable to him.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
    but he loves
him who pursues righteousness.
10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes
the way;
    whoever hates reproof
will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord;
    how much more the
hearts of the children of man!
12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will
not go to the wise.



                                                
                   – Proverbs 15:7-12









PROVERBS 15
GOD SEES ALL THINGS



A poem by
ILMA inspired by these verses



How can you
hide from God who is the Maker of heaven and earth?



He sees all
things including the depths of hell and everything in the dark



No one can
fathom things like God can because he created everything



He sees the
ways of man, especially their thoughts and their intentions



He knows
every word that comes out of our mouths even before we say it



He can bring
life into anyone he chooses to and bring death to those who sin.









Verse 11
mentions Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord. 
No one can describe to us how hell looks like, the place assigned for
those who have not received the grace and salvation that God has offered. It is
a place of unfathomable torment and damnation. Abaddon means destruction
according to one commentary in the blue-letter bible website. In Revelation
9:11, we know that Abbadon is the Hebrew name for the king over the angel of
the bottomless pit, the devil himself. 
That prince of this world, even though he thinks he can destroy or
deceive us, will not be hidden from God himself.  No matter how cunning and sly he is, that
would not escape God’s omnipresence.



There is
nothing in our hearts that he doesn’t see, so why try to avoid his loving
kindness and his offer for salvation?











REFLECTION



·       Why do you think people try to hide from
others and from God himself?