Proverbs 22.2 If you are rich, how do you view the poor? If you consider yourself poor, how do you view the rich? Our passage states that both the rich and the poor have one thing in common, God is the maker of them all. With that in mind I have some ideas about that, eight of them to be exact. They range from the idea of indifference to the idea of importance. God’s Word has a lot to say about the rich and poor.
Proverbs 22.1 You can buy a lot of things, but you cannot buy a good name. You can have a lot of money, but not have a good name. A good name is a matter of choice. A good name is a matter of character. A good name is a matter of conduct. Every day, in every situation, whom ever you are with, a good name is a choice you make.
Randy Chamberlain filled the pulpit.
Proverbs 15.6 History provides sufficient examples of the principle of this verse. Where righteousness exists there is indeed great treasure in the home. It may not be in tangible things like material possessions or big bank accounts, but certainly in the intangible but seeable things like love, joy, peace, contentment. There is treasure in the home, the heart and in heaven for the righteous. That cannot be said of the wicked. They may have vast wealth, but through their wickedness there is trouble in the home, in the heart and in heaven for them. It doesn’t have to be. Through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, Jesus provided a way to receive the treasure of eternal life and the rewards of heaven that await the righteous.
Proverbs 18.21 – The tongue is such a powerful tool. It can be both destructive and construcive. When we consider the teaching of Jesus that our words will be judged, how will we use this tool God has given us? Proberbs has much to say about the tongue – “it brings life and death.”
Proverbs 4.23 – Ancient wisdom for modern times. It certainly applies in our passage today. In the area of self-control we learn how important it is to guard our heart in an effort to maintain self-control. There are plenty of Biblical and historical examples of individuals who were brought to ruin because they lacked control. We also learn from Scripture that self-control isn’t something we are born with, but rather it is one component of the fruit of the Spirit that is being developed in the Christian as he or she yields to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit then that we are able to overcome desires through self-control. We must surrender our will and submit our way to Him.
Proverbs 10.12 There couldn’t be any two more opposing ideas or emotions that love and hate. Solomon wants to convey the path each leads to. Their end results have marked differences. Which path will you choose? It’s yours to decide.
Proverbs 15.13, 15 – It’s true! Scripture teaches it and medical experts support it that laughter is good medicine. The opposite is also true, that a sorrowful heart has adverse physical and psychological affects on a person. What affects the heart and mind also affects the body. Body, mind and spirit are connected. Solomon conveyed that to his son. I think he was teaching us that when we trust in God, the difficulties of everyday life can be taken in a joyful disposition. Afterall, if we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us then He will develop His fruit in us, part of which is joy – even when there is heartache.
Proverbs 14.34 – When was the last time you pondered the course of our history? Is God pleased with us as a nation? Of the two options given in this passage which do you believe we are and why? Has America lost its way? Have we cut loose from our founding moorings and now are adrift? We must return back to a nation that pursues righteousness. Blessings don’t come from hard work, they come from God.
Proverbs 16.32 – chances are you have let this tiger out, and on more than one occassion. Anger is an increasingly big problem in our country, even in our churches. Through the wisdom of Proverbs and the insight of Scripture there are some clear guidelines on how to tame this tiger that all too often rears it head and roars. Following some simple but powerful steps can help us control anger, sin that is “crouching at the door.”
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