In Some Cases, God Suspends Free Will Proverb 21:4

01 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
00 Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

When you wonder why a President does things that are clearly out of the norm for that individual, now you know why. I'm not saying that the evil things some Presidents have done are by God's will, but the good things the one's like Obama or Clinton have done that are moral, ethical, and logical. Now, its not because their heart has all of a sudden become pure or they had an Epiphany, but rather it's because God turned them from that which they wanted to do, to doing His will instead. I am sure that like us, they too wonder why they did those things that are not what they intended.

What Proverbs Tell Us, About Laziness vs Diligence

When taken into context as to why so many shy away from the poor, it's usually because in the vast parts of the world a man is poor because he is lazy and never bothered to work hard enough to better his lot in life. Those closest to him understand why he is poor and they shy away from him, because a man's life is only as good as is his desire to succeed.

Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will suffer hunger. (Proverb 19:15)
A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. (Proverb 19:24)
Wealth makes many friends,
But the poor is separated from his friend. (Proverb 19:4)
All the brothers of the poor hate him;
How much more do his friends go far from him!
He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.(Proverb 19:17)

Knowing God's Will In Your Life

Knowing God's Will In Your life This is but a portion of a longer commentary by Gina Harris @ Pure Word Ministries. Proverbs 16:1-3 01 The preparations of the heart belong to man, 00 But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 02 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, 00 But the LORD weighs the spirits. 03 Commit your works to the LORD, 00 And your thoughts will be established."

Proverb 42:1 Only A Fool Would Want Rain At Harvest Time

1.) As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool. Proverb 42:1

Very interesting in the way Solomon explains the folly of a fool in verse 1. No one but a fool would desire a snow blizzard in the middle of the Summer. Judea was primarily an agriculture society, so they needed the weather to be as it was meant to be. Just as a rain storm at harvest time would be a disaster for the farmer. So too would the weather needed for snow in mid Summer be a disaster to crops.

Stop Being Greedy With The Light Of Christ

Proverb 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
00 He rages against all wise judgment.

Proverb 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
00 But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

In today's world, we fight against our desire to isolate ourselves from the world that is so dangerous and greedy. We feel as though we would rather not make new friends so that we will not be harmed or taken advantage of. This goes against what God created us to be and is thus very unwise, for we were created to be social and friendly with others.

This is what the Lord wants us to be, because otherwise we are just keeping the Light of the Lord hidden under a basket instead of allowing the Light in us to shine on others who are lost stumbling in the dark.

This is something that I struggle against as I get older. I seem to steer away from strangers when I should be confronting them with the love of Christ. I am saddened for all the times I failed to share my best friend, whom is Christ, and thus I kept Hie light under a basket and and failed to share His love which was once shared with me.

Lord, forgive me for being greedy with that which you gave me. Change my greedy fearful heart, and help me be what I was when I was a younger man. Bold in Your name, and bold in the face of that which my aging heart seems to be fearful of. For I know in my heart that with You I have nothing to fear. So I pray for Your strength so that I can again be the spiritual and fearless warrior I once was.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

In Proverb 9:1 we read that;

“Wisdom has built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars"

This is obviously a symbolic description, since Wisdom is personified. So what is this house and what are these “Seven Pillars” that wisdom has erected?

Many explanations exist regarding the seven pillars of wisdom in this passage. One idea is that, seven expresses completeness in Scripture, thus Solomon may be communicating that the application of wisdom results in a complete, orderly, well-furnished house, one that which lacks nothing.

Then there are commentators who see the seven pillars as describing a traditional banquet. So then, Wisdom’s call in Proverbs 9:5 would be fitting in that;

“Come, eat of my bread
And drink of the wine I have mixed”

I would be remiss if I failed to point out how many ancient writers often described the world as resting on seven pillars. If this was Solomon's meaning, it is possible that “her house” in Proverbs 9:1 is parallel in some way with the world. However, I offer this belief just to allow all thought to be considered I actually doubt this is what Solomon was referring to, because when he wrote he did so under the influence of the Holy Spirit. So we must look to the Strictures themselves for the answer.

Which brings me to 2 men who wrote extensive commentary on the Scriptures, John Gill & Matthew Henry. John Gill of Proverb 9:1 that;

”Wisdom has built her house”....”There are two other senses, which bid fairest one of them to be right;
(1.) Either the heavenly glory, the house not made with hands, Christ's Father's house, in which are many mansions for his people; and which is a city whose builder and maker is God, and is prepared by Christ; and stands firm upon the promises of God, the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, and the grace of the blessed Spirit:
(2.) Or rather the church of Christ on earth, the house of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth; this is built by Christ upon himself, the rock and foundation; the materials of it are true believers, precious and lively stones; built up a spiritual house, and a fit and suitable habitation for God through the Spirit.

As for, she hath hewn out her seven pillars John Gill suggests 3 meanings;

(1.) Ministers of the Gospel, compared to pillars for strength and stability, and for their being instrumental in supporting the interest and church of Christ; in allusion to the pillars in Solomon's temple, Jachin and Boaz; see Gallatians 2:9 These are said to be "hewn", being polished, beautified, and adorned with the gifts and graces of the Spirit by Christ, and thereby fitted for their work and service; and said to be "seven", because there is a complete and sufficient number of them, which Christ has provided, and always will provide for his churches, as long as they continue in the world.
(2.) Though it may be these seven pillars may denote in general the firmness and solidity of this spiritual building, the church, and the continuance of it by the power of God;
(3.) Or they may have respect to the seven states of the church in so many periods of time, to last to the end of all things, signified by the seven churches in the book of the Revelation.”

Matthew Henry suggests that the house in Proverb 9:1 eludes to the place Jesus mentioned, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”. (John 14:2) While the seven pillars could be a reference to the Temple Solomon built, or the schools of the prophets;

Here is a stately palace provided, Pro_9:1. Wisdom, not finding a house capacious enough for all her guests, has built one on purpose, and, both to strengthen it and to beautify it, she has hewn out her seven pillars, which make it to be very firm, and look very great. Heaven is the house which Wisdom has built to entertain all her guests that are called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb; that is her Father's house, where there are many mansions, and whither she has gone to prepare places for us. She has hanged the earth upon nothing, there in it we have no continuing city; but heaven is a city that has foundations, has pillars. The church is Wisdom's house, to which she invites her guests, supported by the power and promise of God, as by seven pillars. Probably, Solomon refers to the temple which he himself had lately built for the service of religion, and to which he would persuade people to resort, both to worship God and to receive the instructions of Wisdom. Some reckon the schools of the prophets to be here intended

Considering these interpretive options, it is likely that “her house” and “seven pillars” both refer to a home that is in proper order, with the use of “seven” emphasizing its completeness and all-sufficiency. Overall, Proverb 9 is presented in a chiastic structure, meaning the first and last portions are parallel ideas with the main point in the center passage. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” The entire Proverb is devoted to the emphasis of seeking wisdom, avoiding folly, and finding this wisdom in the Lord.

God bless you all as you study to be approved and ready for the moment the Bride Groom comes for his bride.

A Foolish Son & A Contentious Wife, Proverb 19:13

As you read the Proverbs, you must understand that while God meant for them to be learned by all of His children, Solomon shared the Wisdom he got from God in particularly for his sons. So when you read a proverb that is gender specific, there are lessons that women should also learn. Thus in today's Proverb, women should be looking for a Godly man, to help her raise the children to be wise Godly adults. So both men and women should be wise in whom they chose to marry, or they will be finding more joy outside of home, than they will inside it.

I am sharing chosen excerpts from a commentary by;
Let God Be true.com.
To read it in full, please follow the link above.

Without a doubt, the two horrible things that can happen to a man is to marry an odious woman, or he can have foolish children. Both are disasters and make marriage and children very sober matters. The persons and relationships that should be for help and pleasure become like enemies. It is wisdom to carefully consider these potential threats and avoid them at all costs.

This proverb is priceless. The two matters at stake are very serious – an unhappy marriage or shameful children. Either one tortures and destroys a man over many years. A man enduring both faces daily pain hard to describe in words. But God gave this proverb by King Solomon to save you from both evils, and He reduced it down to one single, simple rule. Glorious wisdom! Incredible mercy and kindness! Keep reading!

A foolish son is also a horrible thing in a man’s life. It can steal the joy and life out of your soul, knowing that you generated and trained an idiot. The Preacher saw foolish sons, for he had foolish brothers, and his son Rehoboam was a fool. Read his pain and learn the sober lesson (Pr 10:1; 15:20; 17:21,25; 23:15-16,24-25; 29:3,15). It is wisdom to learn from the mistakes and pain of others – so pay attention and grasp this lesson.

Lady Wisdom vs Lady Folly Proverb 9:5-6, & 17-18

I love the book of Proverbs, because in so many ways they resemble the teachings of Jesus as he walked with the Disciples. It makes sense though, because Christ is Wisdom personified in the flesh of Jesus.

Now as you read today's proverb, it's beneficial to understand why Solomon was led by God to refer to wisdom and folly as women. This is because the proverb is directed towards his son. In order for the boy to understand the difference between wisdom and folly, the best way was to bring it down to a level he could grasp.

Pornography Will Lead To Adultery, Proverb 5:21-23

Before you read today's commentary I am sharing, please understand that the training of purity begins at childhood. It is a training that must be fully learned by them before they reach pre-puberty, so that when their bodies start changing they will already have been prepared for the questions they will ask others if you did not already do so. If others must tell them, then there is a 90% chance they will not be told the truth.

Vengeance Is Mine Says The Lord, Proverb 6:34-35

Mind you, Proverb 6:34-35 was written some 2900 years ago when women had no power. It was normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. After all, Solomon himself had some 700 wives and 300 concubines. However, times have changed, and women can be as vengeful if not more so than men when they find out their husband has been sleeping around with another woman.

This Proverb can be used for both both men and women. Prison is filled with those who who have gotten revenge to the ultimate degree. Thus the Lord warns us all to not even give the thought of adultery a chance of planting a seed in our hearts. Vengeance is mine says the Lord, but in the moment of anger and hurt, logic and reason are often times far from ones mind. It is a sin that can destroy many lives.

Choose Wisely by Reading a Proverb A Day, Proverb 1

The purpose of Writing the book of Proverbs was to reveal the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations. Through Solomon, God shared His Wisdom, and He made sure that no topic was left to question. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and Godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

Will You Speak Up For The Speechless? Proverb 31:8-9

A Planetary Genocide

• More than 1.5 BILLION babies have been aborted worldwide in the past 50 years.
  
• An estimated 50 million abortions are carried out throughout the world every year.
  
• One in five pregnancies worldwide end in abortion.
  
• Approximately 90% of Down syndrome babies are aborted worldwide.
  
• 42% of all yearly deaths in the world are from abortion.
  
• Every two seconds a baby is aborted - every time your heartbeats a baby dies.
  
• A study reported that in 2011 alone 163 MILLION babies were aborted simply because they were girls.
  
• While baby girls are a target of abortions in 3rd world countries, in the West, and particularly in the Unites States, more and more boys are becoming the main target of abortions.

What Is His Name, If You Know? Proverb 30:4

The proverb asks if you know the name of the One who ascended to and descended from heaven, the One who gathered the wind in His fists, the One who bound the waters into a garment, the One who established all the ends of the earth. It asks if you know the name of Him, or His Son's name. Some 900 years before Jesus was born, this proverb alerted the Israelites that God's Son would appear on earth. A prophecy bound up in a proverb. Long before the Pharisees would accuse Him of equating Himself with God, Agur knew God's Son who would descend from heaven and claim to be the Son of God.

Europe's Changing Borders Exemplify Proverbs 28:2

Throughout history, the borders of the world have changed many, many times. Solomon tells us that because of the transgressions of the land, it will have many rulers.

This video shows how the borders of Europe changed through the years from 1411 to 2012. We all know that land cannot transgress, but Proverb 28:2 speaks of the rulers and it's people of those lands who sinned. Thus their sins lead to many different rulers and owners of the land instead of a continuous ownership and control by the same people.

Is Your Focus the World, or Christ? Proverb 15:16-17

When you read the news, it's difficult to feel positive about the future. Every thing reported, points to a world nearing a climactic end. Economically, politically, environmentally, socially, religiously, morally and culturally, we can see the prophecies of how the times before the end will be, unfolding right before our eyes. The uncertainty has stoked fears that have produced one of the highest suicide rates ever.

To be honest, my heart sinks as I look at the prognosis for the future of my children and grandchildren. If mankind does not turn to God in repentance of sin soon, then billions of humans will be like those who missed Noah's boat ride through the flood, and they will be lost for eternity.

Be Wise About Foolish Friends, Proverb 13:20

You are the company you keep. This well-known saying is a short and weak version of God's true warning;

He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverb 13:20

Without a doubt, this could be one of the most important Proverbs a Christians can learn, and probably the most important lesson for Christian parents. At the least, it is one of the most valuable lessons any Christian can learn if they desire to prosper in life.

Corrupt Lawbreaking Sinners, Proverb 28

We have a name for third world countries, where the leaders steal from, maim, and kill it's citizens indiscriminately, or even worse the people in those nations allow others to do so. We call them Tin-Horn Dictatorships, where the leaders are no better than terrorists, tyrants, and warlords. Throughout the 1900's we have seen plenty, from Hitler, Stalin and Lenin, and now we see them in North Korea, Argentina, and in the Middle east.

They rule over their empires, nations, or blocs with the iron fist, suppressing freedoms and dissent from the status quo. They are lawbreakers of the highest order. We even see them in America, like the Mafia, gang leaders, drug Lords. It also happens in households where a parent, husband or a wife, will rule the home like a despot over a nation. Then, lest I forget, it even happens where politicians will use their power and influence to commit crimes and then their political friends will let them off easy, while the common man and woman will face financial ruin or even life in jail for lesser crimes.

Control Your Anger Christian, Proverb 14:29

Today's commentary is about anger and how, so often, it gets the better of us all. As Christians, we are to be in control of our faculties at all times. Yet we are all guilty of losing control at times. We are told to be patient and understanding, because a quick-tempered personality is a sign of foolishness.

A patient man has great understanding,
but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

We all have the power to chose how we will react in any given situation. When we are expecting something and it didn’t happen, we must accept it and always think positive. Be flexible, and as much as possible remain calm and don't get angry. An explosion of anger at any situation never solves the problem, it just exacerbates it.

Paul tells us that it is OK to be angry, but not to sin.

The Battle Between Our Heart & Our Mind, Proverb 28:26

Today's Proverb points out that there is a battle within us all. This battle is being waged from the moment we are aware of our surroundings. It's a battle of the heart vs the mind.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26

The esteemed American poet, Edward Hirsch, wrote a poem titled,"Self Portrait". It begins with the lines,

I lived between my heart and my head, 
like a married couple who can't get along

Self Control Of Your Spiritual City Proverbs 25:28

The city is a big concept in Scripture. It’s cast in a somewhat negative light before the flood, but afterward is pictured as much more promising for human flourishing, culminating in the heavenly city of Revelations. The city of Jerusalem was most significant for God’s people because God himself dwelled there. More than that, God personally built and protected Jerusalem, until his people rejected him and were exiled, and the city was destroyed. The implication of the metaphor if this Proverb is not just people are cities but more specifically God’s people are God’s city.

We can say the metaphor expands to say self-control is a city wall. “Self-control” is a paraphrase of the Hebrew, which says something like “restraint of spirit”. Implicit even in this expression, then, is the idea that the spirit has a structure. And apparently that structure can be damaged, which is distinctly a bad thing. Put conversely, whoever lacks control over his spirit—whose spirit is damaged and left in disrepair—is as good as ruined. The one without an intact spirit is already “broken into” and left as exposed as he was found.