Proverbs 17.17 and 18.24 Friends come in all shapes and sizes. They can be a significant influence either for good or bad. We learn from Scripture some essential qualities of what makes a good friend, especially when it comes to stimulating spiritual growth. But there is “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Do you know that friend whose name is Jesus?
Proverbs 22.6 Parenting comes with many challenges. Training them to live godly is a tall order and we as parents cannot do it alone. We need the collective wisdom and instruction of others. I believe this passage is a call to the Christian to help teach formerly or informally our children so that the next generation stands tall and strong on the Solid Rock of Christ. Everyone bears a measure of responsibility to help ensure children see examples of godly character. The message offers some insight into the things we should be training them in.
Proverbs 6.6-11 Ants are one of the more peculiar of God’s creatures. While we do everything in our power to eliminate their presence in our home, Solomon invites us to take a closer look at them and consider their ways more closely. They provide us with some wonderful insight into our own behavior or how we ought to emulate their industriousness. They are a model for a person who would otherwise should to be a sluggard. “Go to the ant, sluggard, and consider its ways.”
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.