Tag: Inspiration

The Counsel of the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

Examples of human plans that failed against God’s counsel (continues): [3] Joseph’s brethren (Gen. 37:19-28; 50:20) – Schemed to destroy their brother’s dreams by selling him into slavery. God overruled, raising Joseph to save many lives. [4] Pharaoh (Exo. 1:10; 14:5-31) – Planned to enslave and weaken Israel. Ended in ruin at the Red Sea. [5] Rulers of Israel (Matt. 27:63-66) – Plotted to seal the tomb of Jesus. God raised Him from the dead, the very event they sought to prevent. [6] Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-9) – Determined to destroy Christians. God turned him into Paul the apostle, one of His greatest apostles with regard to spreading the gospel. [7] Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-3, 20-23) – Intended to persecute and kill more Christians. Struck down by the angel of the Lord for his pride. [8] The forty Jews (Acts 23:12-15) – Conspired to assassinate Paul. Their plot was discovered and thwarted.

Human ambition may be clever, forceful, or even appear successful for a time, but God’s counsel is the unshakable reality. Plans contrary to His will ultimately collapse, while His purposes move forward unhindered.

God’s primary way of giving counsel is through His Word. Passages like Proverbs, Psalms, and the New Testament teach wisdom, moral guidance, and decision-making principles. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (3:5-6). Reading, meditating, and studying Scripture helps align our hearts and decisions with God’s will. To be continued…

The Counsel of the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 

‘There are many devices in a man’s heart.’ The word “devices” refers to plans, schemes, intentions, or purposes. Human beings, in their natural condition, are full of ambitions and ideas, some selfish, some short-sighted, some even rebellious against God. The contrast is between human scheming and divine sovereignty. Man prepares the heart, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD (16:1-2). “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

‘Nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.’ God’s will and purpose are unchangeable. Human plots may rise and fall, but only His counsel is permanent. God declares “the end from the beginning” and His counsel shall stand (Isa. 46:10). The LORD brings the counsel of nations to nothing, but His counsel endures forever (Ps. 33:10-11).

Examples of human plans that failed against God’s counsel: [1] Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:17) – Sought to exalt himself above God. Cast down, destined for judgment. [2] Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:3-8) – Planned to gain wisdom and be “like gods.” Result: shame, curse, and expulsion from Eden. To be continued…

Hear… and Receive

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Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou may be wise in thy latter end. 

This section of Proverbs (19:20-24:34) is framed as a father speaking directly to his son. The personal address is clear through repeated use of “my son” (e.g., 19:20; 27; 23:15, 19, 26; 24:13, 21) and through second-person language such as: “thou” [you] (19:20; 22:24-27; 23:1, 5-6, 13-14, 19, 31, 34; 24:1, 10-12); “thee” (22:19-21, 27; 23:7); “thy” [your] (22:18; 23:16, 22, 25; 24:10, 27, 34); “thine” (23:12, 15, 17-19, 33); and “thyself” (24:27). This style emphasises a personal, mentoring relationship: wisdom is handed down from father to son, teacher to student, elder to youth.

The verse gives two complementary paths to wisdom: Hear counsel – Listen to advice from others and let it shape you, and choose righteousness over folly. Receive instruction (discipline) – Accept correction, training, and reproof, then live by it. Together, they stress not just acquiring knowledge, but being teachable and living out what is learned.

This whole section reads like a father carefully shaping his son’s life: Listen to counsel, accept discipline, avoid destructive companions, and live diligently before God.

Wrath shall Suffer Punishment – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:19  A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 

Wrath is habitual: Unlike occasional irritation, great wrath is a recurring pattern that demonstrates a lack of self-control. Consequences compound: The proverb implies that repeated anger leads to cumulative punishment, financial, relational, emotional, and spiritual.

Rescuing without change is futile: Helping a hot-tempered person once or twice may temporarily relieve immediate trouble, but the pattern continues unless they are willing to change.

Biblical and practical examples: King Saul (1Sam. 18-19): Saul’s quick anger repeatedly endangered David and himself; even when aided, he did not change. Haman (Esther 3-7): His pride and wrath led to repeated plots that ultimately resulted in his downfall.

Guard your own temper: Wrath brings inevitable punishment; controlling anger protects your relationships, reputation, and well-being (15:1). Do not enable repeated folly: Repeatedly bailing out a hot-tempered person may foster dependence and continued recklessness. Encourage self-awareness and correction: Wise intervention includes teaching restraint, accountability, and patience. Trust God’s justice: Repeated consequences can be a means by which God disciplines and teaches the wrathful person.

Anger that is habitual and uncontrolled brings repeated punishment. Even if others rescue a hot-tempered person once, the pattern will repeat unless he learns self-control. Wrath is costly, both for the person and for those around him.

Wrath shall Suffer Punishment – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:19  A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 

This proverb warns about the consequences of a person who has an irritable, uncontrolled, or fiery disposition.

‘A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment.’ A person who is quick to anger repeatedly brings trouble upon himself. His impulsive, fiery reactions lead to disputes, fines, legal troubles, and relational strife. Wrath is self-destructive. It exposes the individual to repeated consequences and erodes relationships and peace (14:17; 29:22). Uncontrolled anger separates a person from wisdom, patience, and God’s favour. It is a form of self-punishment.

‘For if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.’ Even if someone intervenes on his behalf or helps him avoid consequences once, the hot-tempered person is likely to repeat the same behaviour. Like a debtor who never learns fiscal responsibility, the wrathful person repeatedly creates circumstances that require rescue. It is exhausting and costly to continually bail out someone who refuses to control anger. Others are not obligated to rescue someone who won’t learn from experience.

To be continued…

Chasten Thy Son – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 

Immediate vs. long-term consequences: A child may resent or cry at discipline, but the long-term benefit is wisdom and self-control. Failing to correct a child now risks future grief, frustration, and even ruin for both child and parent (29:15).

Discipline as an act of love: Loving parents act in the child’s best interest, even when it is difficult. As Proverbs 13:24 says, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” God Himself disciplines His children out of love (Heb. 12:6).

Biblical and practical examples: King David and Solomon: David disciplined Solomon early, which contributed to Solomon’s wisdom (1Kings 3). Elijah and young prophets: Early correction in spiritual matters shaped the integrity of God’s servants (1Kings 19). Teaching a child honesty, responsibility, and respect early prevents rebellion and destructive habits later. Consistent consequences for misbehaviour (age-appropriate) form character more effectively than permissive indulgence.

Discipline early: Correct children before harmful habits become entrenched. Discipline wisely, not harshly: Use methods that teach, guide, and restore, not humiliate or crush. Endure temporary discomfort: A child’s tears at correction are far less costly than lifelong suffering caused by unrestrained folly.

Trust in God’s design: God created correction as a path to growth, wisdom, and life (3:11-12).

Chasten Thy Son – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 

This proverb emphasises the importance of early, intentional, and loving discipline in shaping a child’s character.

‘Chasten thy son while there is hope.’ There is a critical window in a child’s life when guidance and correction are most effective. Habits, attitudes, and moral understanding are still pliable. Discipline during this period lays a foundation for wisdom, self-control, and moral integrity. Without timely correction, folly and rebellion may become permanent.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (22:6). In Hebrews 12:7-11, we see that God’s discipline is proof of His love, producing righteousness and peace.

‘Let not thy soul spare for his crying.’ Do not withhold necessary correction simply because it causes temporary pain or distress. The crying of a child is temporary; the consequences of uncorrected behaviour can be lifelong. This is not cruel punishment, but measured, loving correction aimed at the child’s good. It is a warning against “cruel kindness”, allowing a child to continue in harmful behaviour to avoid momentary discomfort.

A child should cry under loving correction now rather than for both parent and child to suffer the consequences of unrestrained folly later. Discipline is an act of love, shaping life and character for God’s glory and the child’s lasting good.

To be continued…

Lends unto the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.

“Give, and it will be given to you… with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Galatians 6:7-10: We reap what we sow; sowing generosity toward the needy brings God’s blessing, but each should also bear his own load (Gal. 6:5).

Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 2): Boaz showed thoughtful generosity, providing food for Ruth while also preserving her dignity and encouraging her work ethic. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-35): He provided practical, needed help for the injured man, demonstrating true pity and mercy. The Jerusalem Congregation (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35): They generously supported believers in genuine need while maintaining accountability.

Discern between need and idleness: Ask: “Will my help meet a real need or enable harmful patterns?” Help in ways that restore dignity: Sometimes help is best given through opportunities, food, clothing, counsel, or job support, not money. Cultivate a merciful heart: Avoid hardness or indifference toward those who suffer. Even when you cannot give financially, you can offer encouragement, prayer, and practical care.

Helping the truly needy is lending to the Lord Himself, a privilege with eternal reward. But generosity must be paired with wisdom; unwise giving can short-circuit the very lessons God may use to bring repentance and growth.

Lends unto the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again. 

‘Lends unto the Lord.’ This proverb shows that when we show mercy to the truly needy, God views it as if we are lending directly to Him. It’s not simply charity; it’s worship. God identifies with the poor and promises to personally repay the giver. It’s a great privilege to “lend to the Lord” and an amazing thought, our Creator receives our acts of compassion as a personal gift. Very few recognise or act on this privilege. God as guarantor: Earthly debtors may default, but the Lord never fails to “repay.” This repayment may come as a spiritual blessing, peace of heart, or eternal reward (cf. Luke 6:38; Matt. 16:27).

Mercy is not enabling sin. The call to pity the poor should be exercised with discernment: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat” (2Thess. 3:10). Ephesians 4:28 exhorts people to work with their own hands so they may have something to share with those truly in need. True compassion considers long-term good: Giving financial aid without discernment can sometimes enable laziness, addiction, or rebellion rather than helping someone grow in responsibility and repentance. Let consequences do their work: Sometimes hardship leads to humility and change. When we remove all consequences, we may interfere with the process God uses to awaken someone to repentance (Gal. 6:7-8).

Thus, helping the poor is not a blind distribution of money to anyone asking; it is showing mercy in ways that encourage healing, responsibility, and restoration.

To be continued…

Keeps the Commandment – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die. 

‘He that despises his ways shall die.’ Death comes through rebellion. The one who disregards or rejects God’s way ultimately invites harm and death, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The phrase “despises his ways” suggests: he scorns God’s standards, follows his own desires, and mocks moral boundaries. Unrepentant rebellion leads to separation from God, the ultimate death (Rom. 6:23).

“He who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death” (8:36). “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). James 1:14-15 states that sin, when full-grown, brings forth death.

God’s commands are not restrictive but protective: They are designed for human flourishing. Just as traffic laws protect drivers from accidents, God’s moral law protects us from ruin.

Obedience reveals faith: True faith is shown in a transformed life that delights in God’s will (1Jn. 2:3-5). Rebellion has built-in consequences: Ignoring God’s moral law eventually harms one’s body, relationships, and soul.

Adam and Eve (Gen. 2-3): Disobedience brought death, not just physically but spiritually, alienation from God. Israel in the wilderness (Num. 14): Disobedience kept them from entering the promised land. A person who follows God’s principles for honesty, purity, and forgiveness experiences peace and life; one who disregards them faces brokenness and loss.

Daily obedience safeguards your soul: Every choice aligned with God’s Word nourishes spiritual life and keeps you close to Him. Reverence for God’s commands brings true freedom: Obedience is not drudgery but the pathway to joy and security. Rejecting God’s way is self-destructive: God does not need to punish sin directly; sin itself carries its own consequences.