Tag: religion

Withhold Not Correction – Part 1

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Proverbs 23:13-14 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. 

These verses teach that loving discipline is an essential part of wise parenting. Children are not born with wisdom and self-control already formed; they must be taught, guided, corrected, and trained. Left entirely to themselves, children naturally follow foolishness, impulsiveness, and selfish desires (22:15). God, therefore, entrusts parents with the responsibility of shaping character through instruction, example, correction, and loving authority. Discipline is not meant to harm a child, but to protect him from destructive paths that lead to sorrow, rebellion, and spiritual ruin.

Biblical correction is never presented as cruelty, uncontrolled anger, humiliation, or abuse. Scripture condemns wrathful and provoking behaviour that discourages children (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). True discipline is purposeful, measured, and governed by love. It seeks the good of the child rather than the emotional release of the parent. A wise parent corrects calmly and consistently, helping the child understand both wrongdoing and the importance of righteousness. Discipline without love becomes harshness, while love without discipline becomes neglect. Godly parenting holds both truth and compassion together.

The “rod” mentioned in Proverbs symbolises authority, correction, and accountability. Its purpose is moral formation, not violence. The emphasis is on teaching a child consequences, respect for authority, self-control, and reverence for what is right. Loving correction helps rescue a child from destructive habits before they become deeply rooted patterns in adulthood. Proverbs says that correction can “deliver his soul from hell” (23:14), meaning it may preserve a child from a path leading toward ruin, destruction, and spiritual danger. Early correction can spare much future suffering.

To be continued…

The Fatherless

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Proverbs 23:10-11 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. 

Throughout Scripture, God shows special concern for the fatherless, widows, strangers, and the poor – those most vulnerable to injustice. Orphans in ancient society often had little protection, legal influence, or economic strength. Without a father to defend their inheritance or rights, they were easy targets for exploitation by greedy and powerful people. Yet God warns that the helpless are never truly abandoned, because He Himself becomes their defender.

‘For their redeemer is mighty.’ The word “redeemer” carries the idea of a kinsman who rises to protect, vindicate, and restore what has been wrongfully taken. While earthly defenders may fail, God never overlooks injustice done against the weak. He hears the cry of the oppressed and promises judgment against those who abuse them. Exodus 22:22-24 gives a severe warning that if widows and/or orphans are afflicted and cry unto God, His wrath will be kindled against the oppressor.

This passage reveals the heart of God. He measures true righteousness not merely by religious profession, but by how people treat those who cannot repay or defend themselves. Pure religion, according to James 1:27, includes caring for orphans and widows in their affliction. A society that neglects or exploits the weak places itself under divine accountability.

The principle remains deeply relevant today. People may rob the vulnerable financially, emotionally, legally, socially, or spiritually. Employers may exploit workers, leaders may abuse authority, families may neglect dependents, and the strong may manipulate the weak for personal gain. Yet God identifies Himself with the oppressed and promises to judge unrighteousness. Wisdom, therefore, calls believers not only to avoid oppression but actively to practice justice, mercy, compassion, and protection toward those in need. In doing so, they reflect the character of the God who is “a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows” (Psa. 68:5).

Remove Not

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Proverbs 23:10-11 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. 

Ancient landmarks were boundary stones placed to mark the limits of a family’s inheritance in Israel. These boundaries were not arbitrary; they represented God-given portions passed down through generations. To move a landmark was an act of deception and theft, usually done secretly to enlarge one’s own property at the expense of a neighbour. Because widows, orphans, and the poor often lacked the power to defend themselves, dishonest men could easily exploit them by gradually stealing land through altered boundaries. Thus, removing landmarks was more than a property crime – it was an abuse of power, greed, and covenant unfaithfulness.

God strongly condemned such actions because He is a God of justice and order. In Israel, land inheritance carried spiritual significance, since the land ultimately belonged to the Lord (Lev. 25:23). To tamper with boundaries showed contempt not only for one’s neighbour, but also for God’s authority. Deuteronomy declared, “Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark” (Deut. 27:17). What might appear to men as a small adjustment or clever advantage was seen by God as deliberate oppression.

The principle extends beyond physical land. God establishes moral, spiritual, and relational boundaries that are not to be violated. Society suffers when people disregard God-ordained limits through dishonesty, corruption, exploitation, or manipulation. Wise people respect what belongs to others, honour truth, and refuse any gain obtained through injustice. Integrity values righteousness above profit. Even when wrongdoing can be hidden from human eyes, God sees and judges rightly.

There is also a spiritual application concerning “ancient landmarks” of truth. Believers must not remove or distort the foundational truths established by God’s Word. Many seek to redefine morality, alter doctrine, or weaken biblical standards to suit human desires, but wisdom calls us to remain within the boundaries God has set. Ancient truth must not be moved to accommodate a changing culture or personal convenience.

To be continued…

He Will Despise the Wisdom – Part 2

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Proverbs 23:9,12 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 

Many hear the truth outwardly yet remain unchanged inwardly because they do not truly receive it with humility and obedience. God desires truth “in the inward parts” (Psa. 51:6). Applying the heart to wisdom means loving correction more than comfort, valuing truth above personal opinion, and seeking God’s ways above human reasoning. It requires meekness, prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a willingness to obey even when obedience is costly. True wisdom is not merely intellectual attainment but the formation of a godly life.

Listening is one of the clearest marks of humility. A wise person understands that growth begins by hearing. Scripture repeatedly says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mat. 11:15). To “give ear” means more than simply hearing sounds; it means attentive, eager, and receptive listening. Pride interrupts, assumes, and resists instruction, but humility listens carefully and weighs counsel rightly. The fool believes he already knows enough, while the wise person remains teachable throughout life (1:5). Even Jesus, in His earthly walk, listened and learned within the order appointed by the Father (Luke 2:46-47, 52). Knowledge received with humility becomes wisdom in practice. Listening guards against error, deepens understanding, and opens the way for correction and maturity. Many problems arise not because the truth was unavailable, but because people refused to listen. Therefore, the wise cultivate a quiet and attentive spirit before God, His Word, and godly counsel.

He Will Despise the Wisdom – Part 1

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Proverbs 23:9,12 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 

Wisdom recognises that not every heart is ready to receive truth. A fool is not merely someone lacking knowledge, but one who despises correction and resists instruction. Even wise counsel, spoken graciously and clearly, may be mocked by a hardened heart. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples not to cast pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6), teaching that sacred truth should not be continually poured into those who trample it underfoot. There is a difference between patient teaching and fruitless striving. Wisdom discerns the condition of the listener and understands that some conversations require silence, prayer, or waiting for God to bring conviction. Rehoboam rejected the counsel of wise elders and listened instead to foolish advice, bringing division upon the kingdom (1Kin. 12:6-16). A teachable spirit welcomes correction, but pride despises it (Pro. 15:12). Therefore, wisdom not only knows what to say, but also when to speak, when to refrain, and where spiritual investment will bear fruit.

Wisdom is not gained casually or accidentally. Scripture calls for deliberate pursuit: “apply your heart.” This speaks of intentional devotion, inward surrender, and a willingness to be shaped by truth. Knowledge that remains only in the mind cannot transform character; wisdom must penetrate the heart. Solomon repeatedly urged his sons to incline their hearts to understanding (2:2), because the heart directs the course of life (4:23).

To be continued…

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 3

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Proverbs 23:6-8 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. 

‘And lose thy sweet words.’ The gracious words, appreciation, and fellowship extended toward such a host are ultimately wasted because they were not genuinely received or valued. The guest may have responded with warmth, gratitude, and honour, yet the host’s insincere heart corrupts the relationship. True fellowship requires honesty, goodwill, and mutual affection. Where selfishness rules the heart, even outward acts of generosity become hollow. This proverb, therefore, teaches discernment in relationships and warns against pretending kindness while inwardly cherishing resentment. God desires truth in the inward parts (Psa. 51:6), for sincere love and openhearted generosity reflect His own character.

Discernment in relationships is the God-given ability to rightly perceive the character, motives, influence, and spiritual condition of people. It is not suspicion, harsh judgment, or cynicism, but wisdom guided by truth and the fear of the Lord. Discernment helps a person distinguish between sincere love and hidden selfishness, between wise counsel and flattering speech, and between relationships that strengthen spiritual life and those that slowly corrupt it. Scripture repeatedly teaches that not every smile is trustworthy and not every pleasant word comes from a pure heart.

A discerning person learns to look beyond outward appearances. Many people speak graciously in public, yet harbour envy, manipulation, pride, or bitterness within. Eventually, the true condition of the heart reveals itself through patterns of behaviour, reactions under pressure, treatment of others, and consistency over time. Discernment, therefore, requires patience and observation. Wisdom does not rush to place confidence in people merely because they are charming, generous, emotional, or persuasive. Even satan can appear “as an angel of light” (2Cor. 11:14). For this reason, believers are commanded to “prove all things” and “try the spirits” (1Thess. 5:21; 1Jn. 4:1).

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 2

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Proverbs 23:6-8 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. 

A man may speak kindly while harbouring selfishness, envy, or resentment. Outward friendliness is not always evidence of inward sincerity. Some give gifts, offer hospitality, or speak pleasant words while inwardly calculating cost, seeking advantage, or begrudging what they give. God, however, is never deceived by appearances, for “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1Sam. 16:7). The Lord weighs motives as well as actions. A generous act without a generous heart loses its true value before God. Scripture repeatedly warns against hypocrisy – lips that honour while the heart remains far away (Isa. 29:13). True kindness flows from love, not obligation, pride, or self-interest.

‘The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up.’ When the hidden spirit behind the stingy man’s hospitality becomes evident, the enjoyment of the meal disappears. What once seemed pleasant becomes deeply uncomfortable because it was not offered freely or lovingly. The vivid picture of vomiting expresses revulsion, regret, and emotional distress. One feels troubled knowing that the kindness shown outwardly was inwardly resented. The conscience becomes uneasy, and the sweetness of the experience is turned bitter. This reveals how greatly sincerity matters in human relationships. Love and generosity cannot be measured merely by what is placed on the table, but by the spirit in which it is given. A small gift given with love brings joy, but an abundance offered grudgingly leaves sorrow behind.

To be continued…

As He Thinketh, So Is He – Part 1

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Proverbs 23:6-8 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. 

‘Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye.’ The “evil eye” refers to a stingy, selfish, begrudging person. Such a person may outwardly appear generous, yet inwardly resent every kindness shown. The warning is against accepting fellowship where generosity is insincere, motives are selfish, or kindness is manipulative. The stingy man gives reluctantly and keeps a mental account of every cost.

‘Neither desire thou his dainty meats.’ Do not be seduced by luxurious offerings from selfish people. Sometimes gifts are offered to gain control, to create obligation, or to manipulate relationships. Wisdom discerns the spirit behind the gift.

‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.’ A person’s true character is found inwardly, not merely in outward words. The stingy man says, “Eat and drink,” but inwardly he resents your presence and expense.

This verse reveals an important biblical truth: thoughts shape character, inward attitudes eventually define a person, and hidden motives matter to God.

To be continued…

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 5

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Seven things to labour for (continues): [3] To win lost souls (Php. 2:16). Paul laboured tirelessly so others might know salvation. Soul-winning, from our side, requires prayer, patience, sacrifice, and a faithful example. [4] To support the weak (Acts 20:35). The strong are called to help those struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Christlike labour seeks to strengthen others, not merely enrich oneself. [5] Not to burden others (1Thess. 2:9). Paul laboured with his own hands when necessary so that he would not become a financial burden to believers, setting an example of diligence, responsibility, and godly provision. Scripture teaches that a man is to care for his own household, “for if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1Tim. 5:8).6. [6] To enter eternal rest (Heb. 4:1). Believers are exhorted to persevere in faith and obedience so they do not fall through unbelief. This “labour” is spiritual perseverance, not salvation by works. [7] To be accepted by God (2Cor. 5:9). The goal of life should be to please God. Human applause fades, but divine approval is eternal. A wise person asks: “Does this honour God?” rather than merely: “Does this increase wealth?”

‘Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?’ Riches are uncertain and temporary. The expression means wealth is unstable and fleeting, as though it hardly truly exists because it can disappear so quickly. People often build their identity around money, status, possessions, careers, or worldly success. Yet all temporary things eventually fade.

This proverb warns against making temporary things your life objective, do not anchor your identity in wealth, and do not trust what can vanish overnight. The next verse says that riches make themselves wings; they fly away. Money may disappear through economic collapse, sickness, theft, death, bad investments, or changing circumstances.  Only eternal things endure.

Cease from Thine own Wisdom – Part 4

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 

Two things not to labour for: [1] Not merely to become rich (23:4). If riches are the sole objective, life becomes empty, priorities become distorted, and eternal matters are neglected. God may bless diligence materially, but wealth must remain a servant, never a master. [2] Not merely for temporary food (John 6:27). Jesus taught: “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” Human beings often devote enormous effort to temporary survival while neglecting eternal life. Food sustains the body briefly; spiritual truth sustains eternally.

Seven things to labour for: [1] Eternal food (John 6:27). Believers should pursue: truth, spiritual growth, righteousness, and eternal reward. The soul requires nourishment just as the body does. [2] To help the poor (Eph. 4:28) – generosity without enabling. While the verse encourages giving, wisdom must guide how we give. Scripture also teaches personal responsibility – those who can work should do so. Helping the poor must not become a way of supporting laziness or unwillingness to take responsibility. Work enables believers to provide for their household, assist the needy, and reflect God’s compassion.

To be continued…