Tag: Inspiration

Walks in his Integrity

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Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 

‘Better is the poor that walks in his integrity…’ This verse establishes a profound contrast between character and circumstance. It proclaims that a poor man [Hebrew: ruwsh], meaning one who is destitute or lacking material wealth, who lives with integrity and moral uprightness, is far more valuable in God’s eyes than a wealthy or influential person who is perverse in speech and a fool [Hebrew: keciyl], denoting a hardened, arrogant, or morally dull person.

The poor man may lack possessions, but he is rich in virtue. His honesty, righteousness, and faithfulness are treasures that cannot be bought. In contrast, the fool, no matter how rich or eloquent, is corrupt, twisted in his speech, and ultimately destructive in his ways.

This proverb reminds us that spiritual integrity far outweighs material success. God honours the heart, not the bank account. The poor man who walks humbly and honestly before the Lord stands on solid ground, while the rich fool’s path leads to ruin.

A Friend – Part 2

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Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Christ is the truest friend of all. This deeper, unwavering kind of friendship finds its perfect fulfilment in Jesus Christ. He is not just a Saviour and Lord, but also the most faithful and compassionate friend anyone could ever have.

He said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). And He didn’t just speak these words, He lived them. He laid down His life on the cross, not merely for the righteous but for sinners, outcasts, and those who had nothing to offer in return (Rom. 5:8). He is the friend of the weary, the comforter of the brokenhearted, the companion of the lonely, and the rescuer of the lost. While human friends may sometimes fail, forget, or forsake, Christ remains, always present, always faithful.

When others flee in your hour of need, He stays. When the world judges or abandons, He forgives and draws near. When your strength fails, He carries you. When you are unloved, He loves you perfectly. He is not just a friend who sticks closer than a brother; He is the Friend who does so with divine love, unshakable loyalty, and eternal grace.

A man who wants friends must show himself friendly, building bonds through kindness and hospitality. Yet even the best human friendships can falter. But in Jesus Christ, we have the truest Friend, One who never leaves us, who bore our burdens, and who walks with us through every joy and sorrow. He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother, now and forever.

A Friend – Part 1

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Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Friendship is not something that exists by default; it must be cultivated. A person who desires to have and keep friends must invest in those relationships through kindness, generosity, loyalty, and mutual care. In biblical times, maintaining friendship often included acts of hospitality, such as sharing meals, offering comfort, and celebrating life’s blessings together. Friendship thrives where there is genuine affection and consistent effort. Take heed of the warning against friendship with the world, for it is strictly forbidden. Such alliances offer no lasting benefit, only trouble and spiritual loss (1Jn. 2:15-17).

But the proverb draws a contrast: while earthly friendships may sometimes depend on social customs or mutual benefit, there exists a different kind of friend, one whose loyalty goes deeper than even the bonds of blood. A friend who “sticks closer than a brother” is someone who does not leave in times of trouble, who remains when others walk away, and who loves without condition.

To be continued…

Intreaties

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Proverbs 18:23 The poor uses intreaties; but the rich answers roughly. 

This proverb paints a stark picture of the social dynamic between the poor and the rich. The poor, often in need and lacking power or resources, must approach others humbly and respectfully, using “intreaties,” or earnest pleas. Their speech is softened by necessity, marked by politeness, dependence, and sometimes desperation. They are often forced to beg for help, favour, or even justice.

In contrast, the rich, accustomed to comfort, power, and influence, may respond with harshness or dismissiveness. Their answers are often abrupt, prideful, or lacking in compassion. Because they do not feel the pressure of need, they may lack empathy for those who do. Wealth can breed arrogance and insensitivity if not tempered by humility and a fear of God.

This verse is not merely a comment on social behaviour; it is a subtle moral warning. It highlights the injustice that often arises when those with power fail to listen with compassion. It reminds the reader of the importance of humility and kindness, especially for those who have the means to help others.

The poor often plead with gentle words, seeking mercy and help, while the rich may respond with cold indifference or harsh speech. This contrast exposes not just the imbalance of wealth, but also the imbalance of heart. Scripture urges the rich not to trust in their riches, but to show generosity and mercy, for God hears the cries of the poor, and He will judge those who oppress them with hard words or hardened hearts (Proverbs 22:2; James 2:5-6).

A Good Thing – Part 2

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Proverbs 18:22 Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour of the LORD. 

‘And obtains favour of the LORD.’ God’s favour rests upon those who embrace His design and walk in His purposes. When a man enters into marriage with a right heart, seeking to honour God, he aligns himself with the Creator’s original intention: to be fruitful, multiply, and take dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:26-28). This isn’t just about reproduction, it’s about building families, shaping communities, and fulfilling divine stewardship.

Isaiah 45:18 reminds us that God did not create the earth in vain; He formed it to be inhabited. A godly marriage contributes to that inhabitation, not just by filling the earth numerically, but by building strong, faithful homes that reflect the love, order, and covenant of God Himself.

Thus, to find a wife and commit to her in marriage is to step into a stream of divine blessing. The man who does so not only gains a life partner but also receives the smile of God’s approval, His favour. That favour is shown in companionship, fruitfulness, and often in the strengthening of character, faith, and joy through the marriage bond.

To find a wife is to find something truly good, ordained and blessed by God Himself. Marriage is not a mere cultural institution but a divine gift, reflecting God’s heart for relationship, purpose, and community. The one who finds such a gift also receives the favour of the Lord, walking in harmony with the sacred blueprint laid out from the beginning of creation.

A Good Thing – Part 1

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Proverbs 18:22 Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour of the LORD. 

This proverb is a strong affirmation of the goodness and value of marriage. It declares that to find a wife, especially a godly, virtuous one, is to discover something deeply good, beneficial, and enriching to life. Marriage is not a burden or a second-class calling; it is a blessing ordained by God from the beginning.

Contrary to ascetic teachings that might elevate celibacy as the holier path, Scripture is clear: “Marriage is honourable in all” (Heb. 13:4). It is neither shameful nor optional in the divine plan, but rather central to human flourishing. From the beginning, God declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). Companionship, mutual support, intimacy, and partnership in purpose are part of God’s design. He created woman not as an afterthought, but as a necessary and complementary counterpart to man, bone of his bones, flesh of his flesh.

Marriage, then, is not a concession to weakness, but a reflection of God’s wisdom and care for human need. Finding a godly wife is not merely about romance or convenience; it is about discovering a helper suited to share in life’s journey, responsibilities, and calling.

To be continued…

The Power of the Tongue – Part 3

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Proverbs 18:20-21 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

Three Biblical examples of life by the tongue: Esther (Est. 7-8). With wisdom and courage, Esther spoke before the king to intercede for her people. Her words brought deliverance and life to the Jewish nation. Paul (Acts 16:28-34). Paul’s timely words to the jailer, “Do thyself no harm”, not only saved the man’s life but led him and his household to salvation. Believers (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Pet. 3:10). Confession with the mouth, paired with faith in the heart, brings salvation. The believer who chooses to speak truth, avoid evil, and seek peace experiences life and blessing.

The tongue is a powerful instrument, capable of shaping destinies. What we say can either draw the favour of God or invoke judgment. Let your words be guided by truth, wisdom, and love, for in doing so, you will eat the sweet fruit of life.

The Power of the Tongue – Part 2

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Proverbs 18:20-21 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

Those who speak life, words of encouragement, truth, and faith, will eat of that fruit and be blessed. Those who speak death, through deceit, slander, or rebellion, will reap destruction.

Five Biblical examples of death by the tongue: The ten spies (Num. 14:36-37). Their fearful and faithless report spread discouragement among the people of Israel, leading to rebellion and judgment. Their words led to death, not only for themselves but for an entire generation. Doeg the Edomite (1Sam. 22:9-10). Doeg’s malicious report to Saul resulted in the slaughter of 85 priests and the destruction of Nob, the city of the priests. His tongue became a weapon of mass death. Sennacherib (2Kin. 18:28-35; 19:22-35). Through arrogant speech, the Assyrian king defied the God of Israel. His blasphemy brought about divine judgment; 185,000 of his soldiers were slain by the angel of the Lord. The Ammonites (Ezek. 25:3-7). They mocked Israel with scornful words on the day of their calamity. God judged them for their speech, declaring that they too would fall and become a spoil to the nations. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:5-10). By lying to the Holy Spirit about the money they gave, this couple fell dead at the apostles’ feet. Their dishonest words brought instant judgment.

To be continued…

The Power of the Tongue – Part 1

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Proverbs 18:20-21 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

‘A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth…’ This proverb teaches that our words have a deep and lasting impact, not just outwardly, but inwardly. A person is nourished and fulfilled, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually, by the words he speaks. Wise, truthful, and kind speech can bring satisfaction to the soul and open doors to opportunity, favour, and even prosperity. A man who answers with wisdom and speaks with discernment will often find success and contentment as a direct result of his words.

In essence, your speech becomes your harvest; what you sow with your tongue, you will eventually reap in your life.

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue…’ This verse reveals a sobering truth: the tongue is not a trivial instrument. It can build up or destroy, speak truth or lies, bless or curse. Words can heal, but they can also kill. Those who understand and respect the power of their words, who “love” the gift of speech, will experience the results of what they choose to speak. The fruit of the tongue can be sweet or bitter, depending on how it is used.

To be continued…

A Brother Offended

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Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 

This means that when a close relationship, like that between brothers, is broken by offence or betrayal, it is extremely difficult to repair. Winning back that trust can be more challenging than conquering a fortified city. The hurt and bitterness can build walls around the heart, just as strong as iron bars in a castle.

A brother offended by wrong dealing is harder to reconcile than taking a strong city, but brothers who stand united are stronger than a castle.

When trust is violated, especially by someone close, the wound cuts deep. Rebuilding that trust takes great effort, patience, and humility. But on the other hand, when brothers, or close companions, stand together in loyalty and love, their unity becomes a powerful defence. Just as a castle is hard to breach with its thick walls and bars, so is the bond of unity, unbreakable and resilient against outside threats.