Tag: Inspiration

Keeps the Commandment – Part 1

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

This proverb underscores a timeless biblical principle: obedience to God’s ways leads to life, while rebellion leads to ruin. It’s not just about external rules but about aligning our hearts and conduct with God’s design.

‘He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul.’ There is life through obedience. To “keep” God’s commandments is to guard, observe, and live by them. Such obedience preserves a person’s life, health, and spiritual well-being. By following God’s moral order, one avoids destructive habits and the chaos of sin. Jesus echoed this principle: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience flows from love for God, and it safeguards our souls for eternity.

“Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded” (13:13). In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses calls Israel to “choose life” by loving and obeying God. “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (Ps. 119:93).

To be continued…

Slothfulness – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 

Biblical and practical illustrations:  The Sluggard in Proverbs: Over and over, Proverbs warns that laziness leads to ruin (24:30-34; 26:13-16). The Prodigal Son’s early wastefulness: While not exactly laziness, his reckless idleness led him to hunger and poverty (Luke 15:14-16). Modern life: Someone who continually procrastinates or refuses to work diligently eventually faces lack, financially, relationally, and spiritually.

Laziness can create spiritual apathy; if you neglect prayer, Scripture, and serving God, you may become spiritually numb (Eph. 5:14). Awakening from spiritual “sleep” requires intentional action and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Hard work brings stability; idleness breeds lack. Being proactive and alert is essential to flourishing in work, relationships, and faith. God’s design: diligence leads to provision (12:24). God’s grace: He enables believers to live productive, purposeful lives that serve others and honour Him.

Slothfulness doesn’t just produce external poverty; it dulls the inner life, leaving one insensitive to responsibility and opportunity. In contrast, diligence awakens the soul and leads to fruitfulness.

Slothfulness – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 

This proverb highlights the natural consequences of laziness. It uses vivid imagery to show how neglect of duty leads not only to mental and spiritual dullness but also to physical lack.

Two effects of laziness: [1] Deep sleep – laziness dulls a person’s mind and will. It creates apathy, where one becomes oblivious to responsibilities, opportunities, and even moral duties. Such a person drifts through life, inactive and indifferent, much like someone in a stupor. Slothfulness can lead to a hardened heart toward God’s callings (Rom. 13:11-12). [2] Hunger and want – the practical, inevitable outcome of persistent idleness is poverty. Without effort and diligence, one cannot sustain their needs. Proverbs repeatedly warns that laziness leads to hunger and want (6:9-11; 10:4; 20:4). God has designed the world so that labour brings provision; neglect brings lack (2Thess. 3:10).

‘Deep sleep’ [Hebrew: tardēmāh] A profound sleep or unconsciousness; the term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament for a God-induced deep sleep: Adam – God caused a tardēmāh to fall on him before forming Eve (Gen. 2:21). Abraham – A tardēmāh fell on him before God’s covenant vision (Gen. 15:12). Saul’s army – A tardēmāh from the Lord kept them from waking when David spared Saul’s life (1Sam. 26:12). Job’s visions – Came in deep sleep (Job 4:13; 33:15).

In Isaiah 29:10, it is used metaphorically for spiritual stupor: “The Lord has poured out upon you a spirit of deep sleep.” In Proverbs 19:15, this word is applied figuratively to laziness. It describes someone so dulled by sloth that they are insensible to life’s responsibilities, indifferent to opportunities, blind to danger, and unresponsive to the needs of others.

To be continued…

From the Lord – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 

Biblical examples: Abigail (1Sam. 25): A prime example of a prudent wife. Though married to the harsh and foolish Nabal, she acted wisely and respectfully, preventing David from sinning in wrath. Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 24-26): Alongside her husband Aquila, she demonstrated wisdom in ministry and teaching. Contrast with Michal (2Sam. 6:16, 20-23): Michal’s contentious spirit towards David brought conflict and barrenness in her home.

Material blessings are good, but spiritual blessings are greater. Houses and wealth can provide comfort, but a wise, peace-loving spouse is a source of lasting joy and stability. A prudent wife is cultivated through God’s grace. Pray for God’s guidance in marriage, whether seeking a spouse or nurturing an existing marriage.

Husbands: Recognise and thank God for a wise and gracious spouse. Wives: Cultivate prudence and grace through God’s Word and Spirit. Parents: Provide not only material inheritance but also teach children to seek godliness in their future spouses (Deut. 6:5-7).

Material inheritances can bless life externally, but a prudent and godly spouse enriches life at its core. The former comes from human effort; the latter is a gift only God can give.

From the Lord – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 

This verse highlights two of life’s great blessings, demonstrating that one can be attained through human effort while the other is a divine gift.

The inheritance of riches is a gift from earthly fathers; material possessions, houses, land, and wealth are often passed down from one generation to the next. Such inheritances can provide stability and opportunity in life, but they are ultimately temporal. They originate from human sources and can be lost (13:22; Eccl. 5:10). While financial blessings are beneficial, they do not guarantee genuine happiness or a harmonious home life.

A prudent wife is a gift from the LORD. In contrast to material inheritance, a wise, godly, discerning wife is not something that can be inherited or bought; she is a blessing given by God’s providence. Prudent means: “wise,” “discerning,” or “sensible.” A prudent wife knows how to act wisely in various situations, managing her household with grace and understanding. This is the opposite of the contentious wife in Proverbs 19:13. She may have many potential reasons for complaint, but chooses patience, peace, and wisdom instead.

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (18:22). Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-28 describes the virtuous woman whose wisdom blesses her family and Ecclesiastes 9:9 commends enjoying life with the wife whom God has given.

To be continued…

Two Unbearable Things

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Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 

This verse identifies two heavy, ongoing burdens that disrupt peace and happiness in a household.

‘ A foolish son is the calamity of his father.’ A son who is morally or spiritually foolish brings grief, shame, and hardship to his parents. He may squander opportunities, rebel against guidance, and engage in destructive behaviour. Why is it called “calamity”? His choices cause emotional pain, financial loss, and sometimes public disgrace for the family (10:1; 17:21, 25). Examples: The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-16) initially brought sorrow before his repentance; Absalom’s rebellion devastated David (2Sam. 15-18). The sorrow of Eli over his corrupt sons (1Sam. 2:22-36) shows how wayward children can ruin even the reputation of a godly parent.

‘A contentious wife are a continual dropping.’ A quarrelsome or argumentative spouse becomes a constant irritation, like the relentless drip of water. Image of “continual dropping”: Like water leaking on a roof, the persistent sound wears down patience; similarly, incessant nagging makes peace impossible (27:15-16). One cannot find rest, sitting, standing, working, or sleeping, because conflict pervades every moment. “Better to live in a corner of the housetop, than with a quarrelsome wife in a wide house” (21:9). “Better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman” (21:19). These verses emphasise how unbearable constant conflict is, regardless of wealth or comfort.

Wrath vs. Favour – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:12 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 

This verse uses two vivid images to describe the contrasting effects of a ruler’s wrath and favour. [1] A king’s wrath – just as the roar of a lion strikes terror into every creature, so the anger of a king or ruler brings fear and danger to those under his authority. Kings in ancient times had the power of life and death; their displeasure could lead to judgment or destruction. Those who provoke authority recklessly are unwise (16:14; 20:2). [2] A king’s favour – in contrast, when a king’s countenance shines with kindness, it brings refreshment and blessing, like dew on the grass that renews and nourishes plants. A benevolent ruler’s approval leads to peace and prosperity. Godly leadership brings blessing and refreshment to those under its care (16:15; Ps. 72:6).

‘Roaring of a lion’ – A lion’s roar signals dominance and danger; it causes all other animals to tremble, flee, or hide. In ancient cultures, this imagery underscored the king’s authority and the seriousness of his anger.– “The wrath of a king is as messengers of death” (16:14). In Proverbs 28:15, an oppressive ruler is compared to a roaring lion and a ravenous bear. The idea is that the king’s wrath should sober and humble those under him; it warns against rebellion or dishonour. To be continued…

Defers His Anger – Part 2

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Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Biblical examples illustrate what it means to be patient and slow to anger: Joseph (Gen. 40:15) – Though unjustly imprisoned and mistreated by his brothers, Joseph did not lash out when he later gained power; instead, he forgave and preserved them. Moses (Num. 12:1-16) – When criticised by Miriam and Aaron, Moses did not retaliate; he humbly interceded for them. David (1Sam. 24:1-22; 26:5-25) – Twice David spared King Saul’s life even though Saul sought to kill him, showing remarkable patience and restraint. The Prophet (1Kin. 13:6) – When King Jeroboam’s hand withered after defying God, the prophet prayed for his healing instead of rejoicing in his punishment. Each of these demonstrates patience rooted in wisdom and trust in God’s justice.

Forgiveness and refusal to retaliate are seen vividly in Scripture: Isaac (Gen. 26:13-30) – Instead of fighting over wells stolen by others, Isaac moved on, showing peaceable restraint. David (1Sam. 18:9-24:22) – Though Saul wronged him repeatedly, David honoured Saul as king and refrained from vengeance. Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34) – On the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Stephen (Acts 7:60) – While being stoned, Stephen echoed Christ’s mercy, praying for his killers’ forgiveness.

Believers are called to put aside anger and extend forgiveness modelled after Christ’s example (Eph. 4:31-32). Patience and forgiveness flow from understanding how much we’ve been forgiven (Col. 3:12-13). Human anger rarely leads to godly outcomes; self-control honours God (Jas. 1:19-20). The New Testament echoes Proverbs’ wisdom: passing over transgression and trusting God to handle justice (Rom. 12:17-21).

Defers His Anger – Part 1

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Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 

This proverb highlights two admirable traits of a wise and godly person: [1] A sensible man prolongs patience, not anger. A discerning person exercises self-control and delays his anger rather than allowing his emotions to flare up quickly. Quick-tempered reactions often lead to strife and regrettable actions. Wisdom chooses to consider the situation carefully, weigh motives, and respond appropriately rather than impulsively. Patience is not weakness; it is strength under control (Jas. 1:19-20). [2] He passes over transgressions and does not expose or shame others. Instead of magnifying someone’s offence or seeking retaliation, a wise person forgives and chooses not to publicly expose others’ faults (compare 1Cor. 13:4-7, “love covers all things”). This builds peace and relationships rather than division and bitterness. Forgiving others reflects God’s own gracious nature.

True strength is shown not in anger but in self-restraint and forgiveness. Patience and grace restore relationships and reflect God’s own character. It is more glorious to cover an offence than to expose it unnecessarily or retaliate. A forgiving heart fosters peace and avoids cycles of revenge. To be continued…

Not Seemly

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Proverbs 19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 

This proverb warns against the reversal of proper order when those unfit for honour or power receive it. It encourages discernment in granting privilege and authority, underscoring that true honour belongs to the wise and responsible. It highlights two situations that violate the natural and moral order of things:

[1] A fool enjoying luxury and honour – it is unfitting for someone morally foolish and lacking wisdom to live in luxury, receive honour, or behave as if he were royalty. Such people are unprepared to handle privilege responsibly. When fools have wealth or status, it often leads to arrogance, indulgence, and moral decay (17:7; 26:1). Instead of using honour for good, they misuse it for self-glory or destructive behaviour. Wealth and position require wisdom, humility, and discipline. Without these, they become dangerous to the person and those around them.

[2] A servant ruling over princes – even more absurd and harmful is when an unfit servant or slave rises to rule over those who are themselves leaders (princes). Such a person often lacks the character, wisdom, or noble spirit required for fair and gracious leadership. He may become oppressive or tyrannical, abusing authority rather than serving the good of others. Authority should rest with those trained and equipped for it. When power is given to the unworthy, chaos and injustice often follow.