A book by book chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the old testament.

Packinghouse Monday Night Bible Study

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 When someone applies for a job, a common question is: “What does the benefit package include?” Since the world’s advice about how to have a good life is in sharp contrast to what the Bible recommends, we might want to consider asking a similar question about the value of living according to God’s wisdom: What are the benefits? In other words, Why should we seek to live in obedience to the instructions given in the Scriptures? 
 First of all, in seeking God’s wisdom, we will acquire a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Lord (Prov. 22:4-6). Our perception of life is greatly enhanced when we know Him intimately. He’ll give us the ability to see ourselves, others, and situations from His perspective. As biblical principles permeate our minds, they will shape our thinking and responses to all of life’s situations and challenges. 
 Second, God promises divine guidance and protection if we walk wisely (vv. 7-10). Nothing outside His will can penetrate the shield of protection around those who seek to obey Him. When we let His wisdom enter our hearts, discretion watches over our desires and emotions, preventing us from entering into foolish or sinful relationships that would draw us away from Him (vv. 11-20). 
 Godly understanding and protection don’t become ours simply because we want them. Such benefits come to people who diligently seek divine wisdom. If you receive the words of Scripture and let them fill your heart and mind, the Lord will reveal Himself to you and give you His discernment. 
 We had mentioned in the beginning of our study that the purpose of a proverb is to receive instruction and wisdom, justice, judgment, equity, to give subtlety to the simple and to the young knowledge and direction.  Proverbs says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  So, when you reverence the Lord, when you are drawing close to the Lord, He is going to give you knowledge and He is going to give you wisdom.  Verse 1, 
A good name . . . 
 This is not speaking of a given name, but a name earned by the type of person you are. Moses' name and influence have lived on through the centuries, but scholars still debate 
the name of the Pharaoh of the Exodus, who was he? He may have been the richest and most powerful man of his day. To be like David's mighty men, an honest man, a man of integrity. The names of David's "mighty men" remain forever included on the pages of Scripture. Jesus had no earthly riches, but His "good name" and "favor" exceed all others. Your name is very important. It is immensely valuable. It may be the most important thing you have. It is your reputation. It is the one thing you will take with you from cradle to the grave. It is on your Birth Certificate and it will be on your tombstone. What do people think when they hear your name? This is an honest person; this is someone I can trust. Or this is a dishonest, person a liar; this is someone I can’t trust. What do you think of when I say, Benedict, or Adolph, or Jezebel? What about Abraham or Joshua? Your name is your trademark. People will make an opinion about you and when they hear your name it recalls the opinion about how they feel or think about you. I desire that my name would be favorable and leave a good impression. Most of all I want people to identify me as a servant of Christ. Christian is the name I want people to know. I want them to know the good name that I bare. When they hear my name I want them to think, “He is a Christian.” He is someone I can trust. He is someone that will tell the truth.” A good life has it’s number of days, but a good name continues forever.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
      When someone applies for a job, a common question is: “What does the benefit package include?” Since the world’s advice about how to have a good life is in sharp contrast to what the Bible recommends, we might want to consider asking a similar question about the value of living according to God’s wisdom: What are the benefits? In other words, Why should we seek to live in obedience to the instructions given in the Scriptures?
       First of all, in seeking God’s wisdom, we will acquire a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Lord (Prov. 22:4-6). Our perception of life is greatly enhanced when we know Him intimately.  He’ll give us the ability to see ourselves, others, and situations from His perspective.  As biblical principles permeate our minds, they will shape our thinking and responses to all of life’s situations and challenges.  
      Second, God promises divine guidance and protection if we walk wisely

Proverbs 22:1-15 ~ A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 Why is Proverbs so important? 
Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth. While other books articulate profound theological truths, lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or prophetic preaching to a disobedient people, Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom. The writers of the book recognized the varity of circumstances in a person’s life and provided principles to apply in a variety of situations rather than instructions to follow in only a few specific instances. Lets look at more of the words of wisdom.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
 Why is Proverbs so important?
Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth.  While other books articulate profound theological truths, lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or prophetic preaching to a disobedient people, Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom.  The writers of the book recognized the varity of circumstances in a person’s life and provided principles to apply in a variety of situations rather than instructions to follow in only a few specific instances.  Lets look at more of the words of wisdom.

Proverbs 21:17-31 ~ He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; . . .

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 Exodus 22:26-27 says an Israelite could take someone’s outer garment as a deposit or a guarantee for a loan as long as they returned it each evening, so it could be used as a night covering or blanket. Solomon’s advice here is that if you loan to someone who has already foolishly agreed to be surety for a stranger, make sure you get the deposit or guarantee. If they were foolish enough to be surety for a stranger, they should be regarded as a credit risk.  
 There are some people who will do foolish things to fulfill their lusts.  We have looked at several scriptures in Proverbs that have talked about the man who deals with strange women, or prostitutes, or harlots, he is foolish. Other Proverbs have taught us about the one that's surety, or a co-signer.  It calls these people fools in the Proverbs.  And it says these are people, if you're going to loan something to or do something with, take collateral from them or you are going to pay for it.  If you are going to loan one of these guys money for what ever reason, get collateral. This is not a good investment. This reminds me of Tamar, she was wise in securing Judah's seal, cord, and staff as collateral, so that she could 
hold him responsible for what he had done to her later. Genesis 38.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
  Exodus 22:26-27 says an Israelite could take someone’s outer garment as a deposit or a guarantee for a loan as long as they returned it each evening, so it could be used as a night covering or blanket.  Solomon’s advice here is that if you loan to someone who has already foolishly agreed to be surety for a stranger, make sure you get the deposit or guarantee.  If they were foolish enough to be surety for a stranger, they should be regarded as a credit risk.  
        There are some people who will do foolish things to fulfill their lusts.  We have looked at several scriptures in Proverbs that have talked about the man who deals with strange women, or prostitutes, or harlots, he is foolish.  Other Proverbs have taught us about the one that's surety, or a co-signer.  It calls these people fools in the Proverbs.  And it says these are people, if you're going to loan something to or do something with, take collateral from

Proverbs 20:16-30 ~ Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger,

Chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 We are continuing our study through Proverbs and we are in the middle of chapter 19. Proverbs, as we have seen is packed with God's wisdom, and one of the great things about this book is that these short sayings are easy to understand and apply to your life. 
 Many of the eternal truths in the Bible have to be carefully mined, like gold deep underground. The book of Proverbs, however, is like a mountain stream littered with nuggets, just waiting to be picked up. 
 Like the rest of the Bible, Proverbs points to God's plan of salvation, but perhaps more subtly. This book showed the children of Israel the right way to live, God's way. And it does the same for us. As they put this wisdom to use, they would have demonstrated qualities of Jesus Christ toward each other as well as setting an example for the Gentiles around them. 
 The book of Proverbs has a lot for us as Christians today. Its timeless wisdom helps us avoid trouble, observe the Golden Rule, “do to others what you would have them do to you,” and to honor God with our life.

Chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
 We are continuing our study through Proverbs and we are in the middle of chapter 19.  Proverbs, as we have seen is packed with God's wisdom, and one of the great things about this book is that these short sayings are easy to understand and apply to your life.
 Many of the eternal truths in the Bible have to be carefully mined, like gold deep underground.  The book of Proverbs, however, is like a mountain stream littered with nuggets, just waiting to be picked up.
 Like the rest of the Bible, Proverbs points to God's plan of salvation, but perhaps more subtly.  This book showed the children of Israel the right way to live, God's way.  And it does the same for us.  As they put this wisdom to use, they would have demonstrated qualities of Jesus Christ toward each other as well as setting an example for the Gentiles around them.
 The book of Proverbs has a lot for us as Christians today.  Its timeless wisdom helps us avoid t

Proverbs 19:16-29 ~ He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, . . .

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 
 When it comes to the Bible, few books are more practical than the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs is loaded with hundreds of short, powerful persuasive instructions to be acted on for their practical value in life. They give us guidance for day to day living. However, it seems that most people are merely scratching the surface of Proverbs. Most people seek advice from Proverbs. But to really benefit from Proverbs, we need to also seek wisdom, and there is a difference. 
 Through the centuries, many Christians have turned to the book of Proverbs for wisdom. That is, essentially, what the book is about. It was written at the highpoint of Israel’s history with the gift of wisdom bestowed upon her king, the book encourages the pursuit and gaining of wisdom. At all costs, “get wisdom”  Our goal is to get better acquainted with Proverbs and the wisdom it offers. 
 In our last study we concluded with verse 10, 
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth (run) into (to) it, and is (are) safe. 
Proverbs 18:10    
 We talked about the power of the LORD’s name and many of the the things we are saved from. The LORD is our refuge. 
 As we continue with verse 11 an alternative refuge is now presented. "Wealth!" And though wealth does provide some security, but we need to be careful not to fall into the trap of falsely imagineing that it is a stronger safeguard against adversity, affliction, and misfortune, than it really is, 
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as (like) an (a) high wall in his own conceit (esteem, imagination). 
Proverbs 18:11    
 In contrast to the righteous who find their strong tower in the LORD and His character, the rich man (here used in the sense of the man who trusts in his riches, who is only rich and nothing else) finds refuge in his wealth. Such a man who trusts in his own riches has no refuge when they fail. 
 The protection wealth offers is like a high wall only in His own estimation.  The rich man sees his wealth as safe and sure as a high wall around a strong city. Yet this is only in his own estimation; both the Lord and the wise know that wealth is not a truly strong city and not a high wall. Don't trust riches.  A rich man's wealth is different from the strength that the righteous have in the Lord.  He has got to depend upon his money.  The money can disappear and that is why Jesus was constantly warning the rich all throughout the New Testament and through proverbs, and especially in James too, there are many warnings for rich people to trust God.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 

        When it comes to the Bible, few books are more practical than the Book of Proverbs.  Proverbs is loaded with hundreds of short, powerful persuasive instructions to be acted on for their practical value in life.  They give us guidance for day to day living.  However, it seems that most people are merely scratching the surface of Proverbs.  Most people seek advice from Proverbs.  But to really benefit from Proverbs, we need to also seek wisdom, and there is a difference.  
 Through the centuries, many Christians have turned to the book of Proverbs for wisdom.  That is, essentially, what the book is about.  It was written at the highpoint of Israel’s history with the gift of wisdom bestowed upon her king, the book encourages the pursuit and gaining of wisdom. At all costs, “get wisdom”  Our goal is to get better acquainted with Proverbs and the wisdom it offers.  
 In our last study we concluded with verse 10, 
T

Proverbs 18:11-24 ~ The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
We are continuing our verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. We are in the second section of the book, The Wise Sayings of Solomon. Or what I call our Single Sentence Sermons from Solomon. In chapter 17 we have been looking at peacemakers and troublemakers. This evening, We arive at verse 15 of chapter 17. 
 
Here is another one for your list of things that are an abomination to God.  To call good evil, and evil good, is an abomination to the Lord.  This is the same kind of interference of God’s moral order that we previously looked at in Proverbs 17:13. “Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.” Justice requires the opposite outcome – that the wicked are condemned and that the just are vindicated. 
 This reminds me of Pilate, he justified Barabbas and condemned Jesus, all the while knowing that what he was doing was unjust. 
 It seems like justifying the wicked is what the world is trying to do today.  Justifying itself.  The things that are evil and that are against the LORD and His word, the world is trying to say,  "It's good."  Hand joining unto hand, as we read in the last proverb.  “We all agree; we all want to do this.”  If the Lord says it is an abomination, you don’t want to go with the crowd.  
 Our society is in a downward spiral in its morality. We live at a time when men call right, wrong and wrong, right. At a time when evil is called good and good is called evil. Jesus spoke of these times in Matthew, chapter 24. The apostle Paul wrote of these times in II Timothy, chapter 3. (I would encourage you to read these chapters.) We have seen that man has done to solve his problems and it has only gotten worse. 
 So what can we do? 
The answer for every individual, and for us as a people, is to return to God! To draw close to God. I believe that He is calling out to us in His mercy, pleading with us to take heed of the times in which we are living, to take our eyes off of the temporary and focus on the eternal. Remembering that God is aware of these things and there will be a price to pay. The exact center of the Bible is Psalm 118:8. says, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” 2nd Chronicles 7 tells us exactally what we ought to do. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
We are continuing our verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.  We are in the second section of the book, The Wise Sayings of Solomon.  Or what I call our Single Sentence Sermons from Solomon.  In chapter 17 we have been looking at peacemakers and troublemakers.  This evening, We arive at verse 15 of chapter 17. 

Here is another one for your list of things that are an abomination to God.  To call good evil, and evil good, is an abomination to the Lord.  This is the same kind of interference of God’s moral order that we previously looked at in Proverbs 17:13.  “Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.”  Justice requires the opposite outcome – that the wicked are condemned and that the just are vindicated.  
 This reminds me of Pilate, he justified Barabbas and condemned Jesus, all the while knowing that what he was doing was unjust.
 It seems like justifying the wicked is what the world i

Pro. 17:15-28 ~ He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both are an abomination.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study in the book of Proverbs. 
A burdened heart belongs to a person who is carrying their own sorrows or their own burdens. Jesus Christ said that He was a burdenbearer. He said, "If the load is heavy, you're carrying the wrong yoke." He said, "My yoke is easy, My burden is light." Matthew 11:30 He is not only a sin bearer, He is a burden bearer, too." He wants to carry the load. He wants to be that burden bearer for you so that you can be of a cheerful countenance. Christians don't really have an excuse. Sometimes we get under the circumstances but we don't have an excuse to be there. We are exhorted time after time after time that the Lord has allowed trials to come into our life to perfect us, to renew us, to strengthen us, to mold us, shape us and make us like Him. We don't need to be burdened down. He said, "In this world we can expect trials." But He says, "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33. If I choose to be sorrowful, my heart will slump and crumple. I am learning to hand things over to Him and letting Him carry the load.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study in the book of Proverbs.
A burdened heart belongs to a person who is carrying their own sorrows or their own burdens.  Jesus Christ said that He was a burdenbearer.  He said, "If the load is heavy, you're carrying the wrong yoke."  He said, "My yoke is easy, My burden is light." Matthew 11:30  He is not only a sin bearer, He is a burden bearer, too."  He wants to carry the load.  He wants to be that burden bearer for you so that you can be of a cheerful countenance.  Christians don't really have an excuse.  Sometimes we get under the circumstances but we don't have an excuse to be there.  We are exhorted time after time after time that the Lord has allowed trials to come into our life to perfect us, to renew us, to strengthen us, to mold us, shape us and make us like Him.  We don't need to be burdened down.  He said, "In this world we can expect trials." But He says, "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33.  If I choose to

Proverbs 15:12-33 ~ A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 In this present age, it often feels that the evil win and sometimes triumph over the good. Solomon reminds us that ultimately evil will bow in submission before the good. Remember the gates of a city was where the judges would sit, or elders. Parents of a rebellious son who wouldn't submit to their discipline were told to take him to the city gate and present him to the elders there. This is where disputes were resolved. We are told that Lot sat in the gate of Sodom, I am not sure if that was a good thing, but maybe since Peter in the New Testament tells us that Lot was "oppressed by the filthy conduct of unprincipled men... his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless acts" Peter calls him “righteous Lot”, perhaps he was trying to influence the politics and morality of the place he lived. I don’t know. The gate was where Boaz went to secure Ruth to be his wife. We read about a good man named Mordichai who was sitting in the gate. He discovered a plot to murder the king. It was delt with and recorded in the chronicles of the king. There was another evil man named Hayman who hated Mordichai because he would not bow to him. He built a gallo’s (better translated tree or pole for impailing). You know the story how the king honored Mordichai, and wicked Haman was made to bow before him. The Egyptians and Joseph’s brothers bowed before Joseph. The proud Pharaoh and his people bowed before Moses. In Hebrew, this is a perfect tense; pictured as having happened. This is an expression of certainty. Good eventually triumphs.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
     In this present age, it often feels that the evil win and sometimes triumph over the good.  Solomon reminds us that ultimately evil will bow in submission before the good.  Remember the gates of a city was where the judges would sit, or elders.  Parents of a rebellious son who wouldn't submit to their discipline were told to take him to the city gate and present him to the elders there.  This is where disputes were resolved.  We are told that Lot sat in the gate of Sodom, I am not sure if that was a good thing, but maybe since Peter in the New Testament tells us that Lot was "oppressed by the filthy conduct of unprincipled men... his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless acts"  Peter calls him “righteous Lot”, perhaps he was trying to influence the politics and morality of the place he lived.  I don’t know.  The gate was where Boaz went to secure Ruth to be his wife.  We read about a good man name

Proverbs 14:19-35 ~ The evil will bow before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

A chapter by chapter, verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 This chapter starts with feminine wisdom. She is a home maker, a house builder. This is one of the most important things a woman can do, is to build your house. To be that home maker. The one who cares for the family. The one who nurturers the children. You make the home something special and sacred. That is your priority, 
 If she is not building her house, she is neglecting her house and destroying her house. This is in addition to what, her lips or mouth will do. You know, good homes just don't happen. They are something that takes effort, and a wise woman is going to diligently build her home, she is going to work at her home, she is going to try to overcome the trials, she is going to try and strengthen her house and build it up. In Proverbs 31 we will read more about this wise woman. A home has seldom been wrecked while a virtuous woman remained in it. Proverbs has a lot to say about the wise woman and the foolish woman in the home. 
 I think there is a second point that is more than just a wife, mom, or homemaker. I think, this scripture applies to all women, no matter your marital status or if you have children or not. This verse speaks to more than just taking care of a home.  It’s about the fact that all women have been entrusted with resources, experience, and knowledge. They have the choice to use those things wisely to build up, or to foolishly choose to tear down.  A wise woman has the discernment to know which actions, thoughts, and words will build and which will destroy and she chooses accordingly.  The woman of a home has tremendous power to make it a better or worse place.

A chapter by chapter, verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
         This chapter starts with feminine wisdom.  She is a home maker, a house builder.  This is one of the most important things a woman can do, is to build your house.  To be that home maker.  The one who cares for the family.  The one who nurturers the children.  You make the home something special and sacred.  That is your priority,
 If she is not building her house, she is neglecting her house and destroying her house.  This is in addition to what, her lips or mouth will do.  You know, good homes just don't happen.  They are something that takes effort, and a wise woman is going to diligently build her home, she is going to work at her home, she is going to try to overcome the trials, she is going to try and strengthen her house and build it up.  In Proverbs 31 we will read more about this wise woman.  A home has seldom been wrecked while a virtuous woman remained in it.  Proverbs has a lot to say about the wise

Proverbs 14:1-18 ~ The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

A Chapter by chapter, verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 We are continuing our study chapter by chapter and verse by verse throught the book of Proverbs. Remember that Hebrew poetry is not rhyme and meter like english poetry, but contrast or repition. We left off with verse 16 last time, so now we will continue in Chapter 13 starting in verse 17. Chapters 13 and 14 are a long list of proverbs making a contrast between the righteous man and the ungodly man. 
 
A wicked messenger falls into trouble (evil): . . . 
 
 He may go beyond the directions he was given and do injury to the person who sent him. Remember in 2nd Kings the story of Elijah healing a Syrian general named Naman? He had been told to go and dip in the Jordan river 7 times and he would be healed of his leprosy. At first he didn’t want to but he finaly did and came out clean. He went back to Elijah and offered him gold and silver and changes of cloths. Elijah refused it and said, this is the work of the Lord, give Him the glory. Elijah’s servent Gehazi was there and later went and tracked Naman down and told a lie. He said that Elijah had a couple of sons of the prophets that came to him and had some needs, so he would take a couple of sets of clothing and some silver. Naman gave it to him. Gehazi took it and hid it and went home. Elijah asked him where he went and he said no where. Elijah said, didn’t my heart go with you. Now Naman’s leprosy will be upon you. This is a warning to those who are, or wish to be, messengers of God’s truth. 
 
. . . but a faithful ambassador brings health. 
Proverbs 13:17 
 
 And this is the work of the gospel, it's important in our lives. Are you a wicked messenger, falling to mischief? Goofing around so much at your job, or wherever you're at that you would be ashamed to witness to people because they know what you're really like? Or are you the faithful ambassador. An ambassador is someone that doesn't live in the country, he is serving. We don’t live in this kingdom. Our king, and our kingdom are in a different place. We're to be here to minister to people about that place that we're going to live, about our country, about our kingdom, and about our King, and how that it's a country open to all who would like to come. No more taxes, no more death, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sickness. It's a great country. Too bad a lot of people don't want to come, they don't believe it exists. It’s also too bad a lot of people don't want to come because some of the ambassadors have been unfaithful in sharing about the country and about the king, 
 
. . . but a faithful ambassador brings health. 
Proverbs 13:17 
 
 2nd corinthians 5:20 tells us, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” We are given to the ministry of reconciliation. Seeing people being reconciled to God, and recociled to one another also. We are ambassadors of the Lord’s kingdom sent out by the Lord. We get to see spiritual health being given to each one who receives the invitation to reconcile. We are bringing health. We don’t do things for our glory or out benefit, we do things in His name for His glory. We represent the Kingdom and the King.

A Chapter by chapter, verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
 We are continuing our study chapter by chapter and verse by verse throught the book of Proverbs.  Remember that Hebrew poetry is not rhyme and meter like english poetry, but contrast or repition.  We left off with verse 16 last time, so now we will continue in Chapter 13 starting in verse 17.  Chapters 13 and 14 are a long list of proverbs making a contrast between the righteous man and the ungodly man.

A wicked messenger falls into trouble (evil): . . .

 He may go beyond the directions he was given and do injury to the person who sent him.  Remember in 2nd Kings the story of Elijah healing a Syrian general named Naman?  He had been told to go and dip in the Jordan river 7 times and he would be healed of his leprosy.  At first he didn’t want to but he finaly did and came out clean.  He went back to Elijah and offered him gold and silver and changes of cloths.  Elijah refused it and said, this is the work of the Lord

Proverbs 13:17-25

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 
  We are continuing our study through Proverbs and we are in the “Single Sentence Sermon Section.” Proverbs 10: through 22:16. This is the longest section of the book. The wise sayings of Solomon. 
 Suppose that you were out walking or hiking and you found an old brass lamp. You took it home and you are cleaning it up and suddenly the proverbial genie popped out and promised to grant you anything in this world you desired. What would you ask for? Wealth would probably be high on most lists. Some think more money would solve almost all their problems. Good health would probably also rate high, particularly among those who have lost it. Happiness would be an important desire for others. 
 There was a man who had such a choice offered him, not by a pretend genie, but by the true and living God. God appeared to King Solomon one night and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” God was pleased and granted his request. Scripture testifies that all Israel “saw that the wisdom of God was in him”. 
 Job was willing to admit that, even while he was enduring grievous affliction that made no sense at all to him. “With Him are wisdom and might,” The Prophet Daniel said much the same thing after God supernaturally revealed to him Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its meaning: “wisdom and power belong to Him” 
 The application of these proverbs is best found in the person of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul in Colossians chapter 2 tells us, “In Him (Jesus) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” At one point Jesus made the comment to those around him in Matthew 12, “In their midst was a greater than Solomon.” Solomon gives wisdom, but Jesus is wisdom. Solomon had good things to say, but Jesus, unlike Solomon did what He said. Jesus is the application of the proverbs and the illustration of them. He is the sum total of all wisdom. Look for Jesus.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.

        We are continuing our study through Proverbs and we are in the “Single Sentence Sermon Section.”  Proverbs 10: through 22:16.  This is the longest section of the book.  The wise sayings of Solomon.    
 Suppose that you were out walking or hiking and you found an old brass lamp.  You took it home and you are cleaning it up and suddenly the proverbial genie popped out and promised to grant you anything in this world you desired.  What would you ask for? Wealth would probably be high on most lists.   Some think more money would solve almost all their problems.  Good health would probably also rate high, particularly among those who have lost it.  Happiness would be an important desire for others.
 There was a man who had such a choice offered him, not by a pretend genie, but by the true and living God.  God appeared to King Solomon one night and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, 

Proverbs 12:1-17 ~ Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs 
 If we will take heed to our ways, according to Solomon's Proverbs, we will gain knowledge and discretion. Solomon speaks of the most important points of truth, and a greater than Solomon is here. Christ speaks by His word and by His Spirit. Christ is the Word and the Wisdom of God, and He is made to us wisdom. The purpose of this book is to fix firmly in our minds through frequent and forceful repetition, the virtues that are taught throughout the Bible. Over and over and over in the Bible in various forms and diverse methods, God has supplied to man a great abundance of instruction as to how He wants men to live so that they have no excuse in missing the mark. 
 The teachings in the book of Proverbs are not expressed in a “Thus saith the Lord” as in the law of Moses where the same things are taught as a direct command of God, but rather are given as coming out of the experience of a man who tried out and tested just about everything a man could engage in. Moses said, “These things are the commandments of God.” Solomon is telling us the things which God has commanded are proved by experience to be the best for men, and the essence of human wisdom is in keeping God’s commandments.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs
 If we will take heed to our ways, according to Solomon's Proverbs, we will gain knowledge and discretion.  Solomon speaks of the most important points of truth, and a greater than Solomon is here.  Christ speaks by His word and by His Spirit.  Christ is the Word and the Wisdom of God, and He is made to us wisdom.  The purpose of this book is to fix firmly in our minds through frequent and forceful repetition, the virtues that are taught throughout the Bible.  Over and over and over in the Bible in various forms and diverse methods, God has supplied to man a great abundance of instruction as to how He wants men to live so that they have no excuse in missing the mark.  
 The teachings in the book of Proverbs are not expressed in a “Thus saith the Lord” as in the law of Moses where the same things are taught as a direct command of God, but rather are given as coming out of the experience of a man who tried out and tested j

Proverbs 11:15-31~ He who is surety for a stranger will suffer,

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 Chapter 10 is where we start the second major division in the Book of Proverbs. And this is where the individual Proverbs themselves actually begin. Proverbs 1 through 9 has been the instruction of the father to the son, and if you have kids, I would encourage you to take the time to instruct them, to train them up in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they won't depart from it. So, they will know the ways of the Lord, and learn the ways of the Lord and draw close to Him. Proverbs has identified who the wise man is: one who fears the Lord and commits his life to Him. From this point on, it will describe how such a man or woman should conduct his or her life from day to day. One of the earmarks of a believer is that he wants to please God by His life. The Holy Spirit indwelling us reveals how to do this, primarily through the direction given in the Bible, which He inspired. This is why a large portion is addressed to believers to show us how to think, act and speak if you want to please the Lord. 
 This can be a difficult book to teach And it is difficult to comment on many of these proverbs because in a way, they are all totally sufficient in themselves. Each proverb is a little sermon in a sentence. Each is a little self-contained package of truth. They are little gems, each one of them. And they each make a statement, and many of them are basically self-explanatory. Not much to say without being redundant. The purpose is to be short, with a punch, concise and to the point. They touch you, they teach you. They do not flow together, they are not linked together, they are just short sentence sermons. 
 Proverbs 10 through 31 will give the Lord's standards. Before it was instruction and guidance and now we're going to see the Proverbs themselves. 
 Now, I have told you before, that this is one of the Hebrew books of poetry. And Hebrew poetry doesn't have rhyme of meter like our English poetry does. But Hebrew poetry will be contrast or repetition of a though. 
 Proverbs 10 through 22:16 is the longest section of the book. Most of the proverbs are two lines long, and those in chapters 10 - 15 almost always express a contrast. Sometimes the writer simply makes a general observation, such as "a bribe is a charm to the one who gives it",129 but usually he evaluates conduct: "he who hates bribes will live."130 Many proverbs, in fact, describe the consequences of a particular action or character trait: "A wise son brings joy to his father."131 Since the proverbs were written primarily for instruction, often they are given in the form of commands: "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor."132 Even where the imperative form is not used, the desired action is quite clear, “An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”133 
 The Hebrew word translated "proverb" is also translated "oracle",134 "taunt",135 and "parable",136 so its meaning is considerably broader than the English term. This may help explain the reason for the longer discourse in chapters 1 - 9. Most proverbs are short, compact statements that express truths about human behavior. Often there is repetition of a word or sound that aids memorization. In 30:33 “For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.” , e.g., the same Hebrew verb is translated "churning," "twisting" and "stirring up." 
 We are going to see the contrast in these proverbs, especially the contrast between the wise and the foolish, the wicked and the righteous, the diligent and the slothful.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
  Chapter 10 is where we start the second major division in the Book of Proverbs.  And this is where the individual Proverbs themselves actually begin.   Proverbs 1 through 9 has been the instruction of the father to the son, and if you have kids, I would encourage you to take the time to instruct them, to train them up in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they won't depart from it.  So, they will know the ways of the Lord, and learn the ways of the Lord and draw close to Him.  Proverbs has identified who the wise man is: one who fears the Lord and commits his life to Him.  From this point on, it will describe how such a man or woman should conduct his or her life from day to day.  One of the earmarks of a believer is that he wants to please God by His life.  The Holy Spirit indwelling us reveals how to do this, primarily through the direction given in the Bible, which He inspired.  This is why a large 

Proverbs 10:1-32 ~ A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs. 
 Proverbs 8 described wisdom as a woman with blessings and benefits for those who listened and obeyed. Now Solomon pictures wisdom as a woman of generous hospitality who invites all to turn in here! In chapter 9 Solomon continues to exhort us about wisdom and it’s value in our lives. In this chapter we are going to see a contrast again, Wisdom's feast 9:1-6 compared to Folly's feast 9:13-18. In between is the open or closed mind. The wise and simple 
Seven being the number of completeness or "sufficiency". So wisdom is complete. It is complete wisdom or complete education is in the Lord. The Lord is going to teach us all things by His Holy Spirit. The spirit of God is a better educator than any man. I am not saying we can not learn from man, God has called some to be teachers, and all of us to be teachers in certain aspects like parents, but with the Lord there is an added demention an extra element. Psalm 119 says, “I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.” I may not know more about chemistry or physics than my chemistry or physics teacher, but I have extra knowledge, I have an advantage because I know the inventor of all chemical compounds and physical aspects of this earth and beyond. I have more knowledge or more understanding that all my teachers because I have the Lord and I have His word. So wisdom is fully prepared to satisfy. This is the college of wisdom. 
 In view of what God has revealed so far about wisdom, any person can determine just how wise or how foolish he or she may be. This is not a mystery. It has little to do with intelligence but everything to do with commitment. If a person recognizes divine revelation as such, and decides to submit to it, and lives by it the best he can, he is wise. On the other hand, if he rejects God's Word and decides to live his life with no regard to what God has said, he is a fool. 
 "In every city, on every street, by every door of opportunity, these two voices of wisdom and folly are appealing to men. To obey the call of wisdom is to live. To yield to the clamor of folly is to die. How do we discern between the voices? By making the fear of the LORD the central aspiration of life. By yielding ourselves to Him for correction and guidance."

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.
        Proverbs 8 described wisdom as a woman with blessings and benefits for those who listened and obeyed.  Now Solomon pictures wisdom as a woman of generous hospitality who invites all to turn in here!  In chapter 9 Solomon continues to exhort us about wisdom and it’s value in our lives.  In this chapter we are going to see a contrast again, Wisdom's feast 9:1-6 compared to Folly's feast 9:13-18.  In between is the open or closed mind.  The wise and simple
Seven being the number of completeness or "sufficiency".  So wisdom is complete.  It is complete wisdom or complete education is in the Lord.  The Lord is going to teach us all things by His Holy Spirit.  The spirit of God is a better educator than any man.  I am not saying we can not learn from man, God has called some to be teachers, and all of us to be teachers in certain aspects like parents, but with the Lord there is an added demention an extra element.  Ps

Proverbs 9:1-18 ~ Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;

Paul is speaking to us about our new life in Christ. He is saying if you are risen in Christ, you are dead to your old life.  My new life IS in Christ and I want to live and walk as He lives and walks.  So there are some things from my old life that I have to take off, like dirty cloths.  Paul gives us a couple of lists here of things that need to go.  The first list we read in verses 5 and 6, these are sexual in nature and now we come to a second list in verses 8 and 9.  Paul's second list deals with sins of speech: Each of these sins are primarily committed by what we say.

New Cloths - Colossians 3:8-9 - The Daily Connect

Paul is saying, I am going to give you a mystery. The word mystery here means something hidden that is now revealed. Hidden for generations. In the Old Testament they didn’t understand. In the Old Covenant they didn’t understand what he is ready to say. This is a new thing. To every person who surrenders to Christ, they understand, it becomes apparent, it becomes reasonable, completely believable. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: Gentiles? The Jews understood that they were God’s people but they could’t understand that there would be any way the Gentiles could get in. which is Christ in you, the messiah, they were expecting the messiah, there are over 300 prophecies about the messiah. Born in Bethlehem, Enter the city riding on a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. All these specific prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus, but they missed Him, they missed that Gentiles would understand that. 
There are two parts to what they missed. One, That gentiles would be fellow airs, - that was inconceivable concept to Jews at the time. Secondly the bigger mystery, that the Messiah would take up residence in you. That God would live in our hearts. This is the fulfillment of a long promised covenant, the new covenant. That is what is being described here.

Paul is saying, I am going to give you a mystery.  The word mystery here means something hidden that is now revealed.  Hidden for generations.  In the Old Testament they didn’t understand.  In the Old Covenant they didn’t understand what he is ready to say.  This is a new thing.  To every person who surrenders to Christ, they understand, it becomes apparent, it becomes reasonable, completely believable.  To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:  Gentiles? The Jews understood that they were God’s people but they could’t understand that there would be any way the Gentiles could get in.  which is Christ in you, the messiah, they were expecting the messiah, there are over 300 prophecies about the messiah.  Born in Bethlehem, Enter the city riding on a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.  All these specific prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus, but they missed Him, they missed that Gentiles would understand that.  
There 

The Daily Connect - Colossians 1:26-27 Two Mysteries Revealed

Peter has been talking about scoffers. They are saying nothing is going to change. He says they willfully forget: This can be translated, "Escapes their notice" in the Greek means forgets purposely by disregarding information. Peter cited two events in the creation that show things have not always been 
as they are. they willfully forgot God did bring cataclysmic judgment. they willfully forgot That God did not stand far off from His creation. they willfully forgot That God did not just start things going and then step back and watched them in their evolutionary development. 
they willfully forgot that God has had an active hand in His creation and has continued to have an active hand in creation.

Peter has been talking about scoffers.  They are saying nothing is going to change.  He says they willfully forget: This can be translated, "Escapes their notice" in the Greek means forgets purposely by disregarding information. Peter cited two events in the creation that show things have not always been
as they are. they willfully forgot God did bring cataclysmic judgment. they willfully forgot That God did not stand far off from His creation. they willfully forgot That God did not just start things going and then step back and watched them in their evolutionary development. 
they willfully forgot that God has had an active hand in His creation and has continued to have an active hand in creation.

The Daily Connect - 2 Peter 3:5-7

A chapter by chapter verse by verse study of the book of Psalms.

Psalm 67 - 68:18

Now, God has a very interesting bookkeeping system. And in God"s bookkeeping system, your investments that you make in the kingdom of God bring fruit to your account. Jesus said, "Don"t lay up for yourself treasures on earth where moth and rust can corrupt and decay and thieves can break through and steal. But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven where these things cannot happen, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also." 
God accounts to the person who supports the missionary the fruit that comes from the missionary"s service. How can they hear without a preacher? How can they preach except they be sent? So, those that send share equally in the fruit of the ministry of those who go. That is why in supporting a ministry, I want to be very careful what ministry I support. I want to make sure that it is an effective ministry, doing a good work for God. 
Got plenty. What a beautiful thing to say even though you"re broke. I have all, I abound. Why? Because I have Jesus. That’s enough.

Now, God has a very interesting bookkeeping system. And in God"s bookkeeping system, your investments that you make in the kingdom of God bring fruit to your account. Jesus said, "Don"t lay up for yourself treasures on earth where moth and rust can corrupt and decay and thieves can break through and steal. But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven where these things cannot happen, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also."
God accounts to the person who supports the missionary the fruit that comes from the missionary"s service. How can they hear without a preacher? How can they preach except they be sent? So, those that send share equally in the fruit of the ministry of those who go. That is why in supporting a ministry, I want to be very careful what ministry I support. I want to make sure that it is an effective ministry, doing a good work for God.
Got plenty. What a beautiful thing to say even though you"re broke. I have all, I abound. Why? Because I have Jesus. Th

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