Tag: Advice

Clean in His Own Eyes

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Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. 

‘All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits.’ A self-righteous person may see his own ways as pure, but the Lord examines the heart and weighs the true motives of the spirit. As Jeremiah 17:9 declares, the human heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, a sobering truth about our natural condition. The very next verse, Jeremiah 17:10, reminds us that the LORD searches the heart and tests the inner motives, rewarding each individual according to their deeds and behaviour.

‘Clean in his own eyes.’ Many consider themselves righteous in their own eyes, but God sees beyond appearances. Here are three biblical examples of such self-deception: Jehu, who boasted of his zeal but did not fully follow the Lord (2Kin. 10:16, 31). The Pharisee, who trusted in his own righteousness and looked down on others (Luke 18:11-14). Paul, before his conversion, was convinced he was serving God, even while persecuting Christians (Acts 26:9; com. Pro. 9:4).

True righteousness begins not with self-justification, but with humility, repentance, and a heart fully surrendered to God.

The Answer of the Tongue

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Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 

‘The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.’ God guides the heart of the righteous and inspires the words of their mouth. However, this does not mean that everything a person says is automatically from God, as some wrongly assume. We are still responsible to guard our tongues and ensure that our speech is honourable, uplifting, and pleasing to the Lord.

Scripture gives us clear instructions on how to speak: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,” but only what is good for building others up, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29).  We must not be deceived, bad company and harmful conversations can corrupt good morals (1Cor. 15:33). We are also warned to put away falsehood and speak the truth to one another (Eph. 4:25), for satan is the father of lies (John 8:44; 2Thess. 2:11).

In all things, our speech should reflect the character of Christ – truthful, edifying, and full of grace.

The Fear of the LORD

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Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. 

‘The fear of the LORD.’ Fourteen blessings of the Fear of the Lord: It is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). It shapes one’s eternal destiny (1:29). It helps a person turn away from evil (3:7; 16:6). It causes hatred of evil (8:13). It prolongs life (10:27). It brings strong confidence (14:26). It is a fountain of life (14:27). It leads to contentment (15:16). It provides instruction in wisdom (15:33). It leads to true life (19:23). It brings riches, honour, and life (22:4). It frees from envy (23:17). It results in blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). It is marked by humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Before honour is humility.’ Five examples of humility before honour: Joseph – Humbled through slavery and prison before being exalted as ruler (Gen. 39:1-41:57). Gideon acknowledged his lowliness before leading Israel to victory (Jud. 6:15). Daniel – Honoured by God after giving Him all the credit (Dan. 2:30-48). Hananiah – Known for his faithfulness and reverence before being entrusted with leadership (Neh. 7:2). Jesus Christ – Humbled Himself completely before being exalted above all (Php. 2:5-11).

David also stands as a powerful example of humility. Though he was a gifted musician, warrior, commander, king, prophet, and psalmist, he never exalted himself. Instead, he called himself a lowly servant and the son of a mere handmaid of the Lord (Ps. 116:16).

This stands in sharp contrast to many modern leaders who boast of titles, degrees, and spiritual credentials to gain admiration. Unless one is compelled to speak of their gifts, as Paul was out of necessity (2Cor. 11:16-28), it is far better to take the humble path, lifting up Christ rather than self. After all, the Holy Spirit Himself always glorifies Jesus (John 16:13-15).

We are commanded to walk in all lowliness of mind (Eph. 4:2; Acts 20:19; 1Pet. 5:5).

Any form of worship that is chosen by man, apart from true worship of God, is empty (Rom. 1:21-25). Even when such worship appears refined, humble, or ascetic, it lacks the power to conquer sin and the old nature. These forms only feed pride and self-righteousness; they do not change the heart.

Reproof and Instruction – Part 2

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Proverbs 15:31-32 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding. 

The Holy Spirit engages with rational souls, working through the mind, conscience, and moral understanding to enlighten, convict, and persuade. But when a person closes their mind to truth, resists correction, hardens their conscience against righteousness, and suppresses the call toward their highest good, they descend into full rebellion. The result is a hardened heart and the tragic outcome of spiritual ruin.

‘He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding.’ To reject counsel is to despise one’s own soul, but those who receive and apply correction gain wisdom and understanding (15:32).

‘Dispises his own soul.’ Six examples of those who hated their own souls – these individuals rejected truth, correction, or godly counsel, choosing destruction over life: Dathan – Rebelled against Moses and perished in judgment (Num. 16:12-14, 31-33). Zedekiah – Refused to humble himself before the word of the Lord and was taken captive (2Chr. 36:12; Jer. 39:1-7). Nebuchadnezzar – Ignored Daniel’s warning and was humbled by God through madness (Dan. 4:27-33). Belshazzar – Knew the truth but still mocked God, resulting in his sudden fall (Dan. 5:22-30). The Jews in Jesus’ day rejected their Messiah and faced national judgment (Matt. 23:34-38). The Gadarenes valued comfort over Christ’s presence and asked Him to leave (Luke 8:37).

‘Hears reproof gets understanding.’ Four examples of those who gained wisdom and knowledge – these individuals responded to correction, truth, or divine encounter with humility and growth:  Job’s Friends – Humbled themselves and followed God’s instruction through Job (Job 42:7-9). The Samaritan Woman acknowledged her sin and received living water from Christ (John 4:17). Two Disciples on the road to Emmaus – Gained insight as Christ opened the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:26-32). Paul (Saul of Tarsus) – From persecutor to preacher, transformed through divine revelation (Acts 9:6-22).

Reproof and Instruction – Part 1

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Proverbs 15:31-32 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding. 

‘The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.’ Those who accept correction and heed wise counsel become companions of the wise (15:31).

The righteous person corrects others with kindness, not to condemn or destroy, unlike the reproof of the wicked, which often tears down (Ps. 141:5).

God’s Word is profitable, it brings benefit through sound doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2Tim. 3:16). It shapes character, convicts the heart, and guides the believer toward godliness.

God uses many means to lead people to repentance and save them from judgment: Truth, exhortation, correction, and instruction. Patience, love, gentleness, meekness, and perseverance. And at times, even drastic measures to turn men from hell and the wrath to come. Yet, He never forces anyone against their will.

Though the fallen human will is weaker than it was in Adam and Eve before sin, every person still bears the responsibility to choose.

In the end, the decision to follow God must be made freely. God desires all to be saved (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9), and His invitation still stands: “Whoever wills, let him come…” (Rev. 22:17).

To be continued…

Rejoices

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Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat. 

‘The light of the eyes rejoices the heart: and a good report makes the bones fat.’ Righteousness rejoices the heart, and the good news is healthful.

‘Light of the eyes.’ Matthew 6:22 and Luke 11:34 state that the light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

The Greek word luchnos, meaning, lamp fed by oil, burning for a time and then going out, translates as light 6 times (Mat. 6:22; Luke 11:34; 12:35; John 5:35; 2Pet. 1:19; Rev. 21:23) and candle 8 times (Mat. 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33, 36; 15:8; Rev. 18:23; 22:5). The Greek word haplous translates as single, simple, whole, good, and sound. If the eye is single and sound morally and free from any lusts, the whole body will be free from sin and morally sound and perfect. Light and darkness are used to contrast spiritual knowledge and spiritual blindness, and righteousness and sin (Mat. 4:16; Luke 1:79; John 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; 1Jn. 1:5-7; 2:8-11). If the eyes are full of adultery and lusts, the body will be dark and the life blind (2Pet. 1:9; 2:14; 1Jn. 2:15-17; Rev. 3:17-18).

Prayer – Part 2

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Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

While believers are encouraged to pray persistently until they receive an answer (Luke 18:1-8), it is not the quantity of prayers that causes God to hear, but the quality of the life behind them (Matt. 6:5-8). A godly, sincere heart is what moves the heart of God.

Twelve Things God Promises to Do for Those Who Pray: Be gracious to them (Ps. 145:8). Show them compassion. Be slow to anger toward them. Extend great mercy. Be good to them (Ps. 145:9). Uphold them when they fall or are discouraged (Ps. 145:14). Provide for their needs (Ps. 145:15-16). Satisfy their desires (Ps. 145:16, 19). Remain near to them (Ps. 145:18; Jas. 4:8). Hear and respond to their prayers (Ps. 145:19). Save them. Preserve them (Ps. 145:20).

Four prayer duties of every Christian: Supplications – earnest requests (Eph. 6:18). Prayers – general communication with God (1Tim. 2:1; 5:5). Intercessions – praying for others (1Tim. 2:1; Rom. 8:26-27, 34; Heb. 7:25; Isa. 53:12). Giving of thanks – gratitude in all things (1Tim. 2:1).

Prayer – Part 1

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Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 

‘The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.’ The Lord has no fellowship with the wicked, but He draws near to the righteous and hears their prayers (Jas. 4:8). When sin remains in the heart, it becomes a barrier to answered prayer (Ps. 66:18). God refuses to listen to those who persist in rebellion and disobedience (Ps. 80:4).

God has always answered prayer, and He always will when offered in faith and full dependence on Him, especially when aligned with His promises.

Our confidence in prayer is grounded in the Word of God, which gives us the assurance to believe and ask boldly (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:4-8; 1 John 1:1-10; 5:21-22).

Prayers that rise from the heart often come from a place of gratitude or deep need, and Scripture invites us to approach God’s throne with boldness (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23).

While New Testament believers still speak directly to God, as in the Old Testament, they now do so in the name of Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the new covenant (John 14:13-15; 15:16; 16:23-26).

To be continued…

The Heart

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Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 

‘The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.’ The righteous man weighs his words carefully, considering both his thoughts and his response. In contrast, the wicked carelessly spew out the corrupt and thoughtless abominations of their hearts (21:5).

The diligent, through wise planning and steady effort, see their wealth and success increase. But those who are hasty, impatient, and impulsive in their pursuit of gain will ultimately come to lack and failure.

‘Thoughts’ [Hebrew: machshebowth] devices, plans (12:5; 15:26; 16:3; 21:5; Gen. 6:5; Ps. 33:11; 40:5; 56:5; 94:11; Isa. 55:7-8).

God’s thoughts and ways are not like ours (Isa. 55:8-9). From the beginning, He saw that every imagination of man’s heart is vanity (Ps. 94:11) and continually evil (Gen. 6:5). Therefore, we are commanded to hate vain thoughts (Ps. 119:113).

To the wicked, three commands are given (Isa. 55:7): Forsake wicked ways; Abandon unrighteous thoughts and return to the Lord.

These steps define true repentance – the kind that leads to salvation and does not need to be regretted (2Cor. 7:9-10). Anyone who clings to wicked behaviour and corrupt thinking remains in rebellion, separated from God. Such a person continues to commit sins deserving of death and lives under the penalty of the broken law (Mark 6:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21).

Greedy of Gain

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Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live. 

‘He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live.’ The greedy man brings trouble upon his own household and becomes a curse to those he deals with. In contrast, the contented and righteous man, one who rejects bribery, will enjoy life and peace.

The wicked often rely on two primary tools: plunder and bribery (26:10).

Those who gather around hypocrites, forming assemblies of deceit, will be swept away, and the hypocrite himself will be left in ruins. Consequences will descend upon the homes of those who engage in bribery, consuming their false security.