Expository Study: Proverbs

Proverbs warns us that there are just some very bad people out there. People who are just given over to devising forward things and bringing evil to pass. And the Lord wants us to read these Proverbs and meditate upon how we, hopefully, do not fit in to the description OR fall under the influence of anyone described here. https://bbfohio.com

A violent man is a man of violence at heart which sometimes shows itself with physical violence. Such a man (or woman) is bad company and will almost always lead their friends and associates into trouble, or "the way that is not good". Also Reference: Genesis 39, Deuteronomy 22:13-30, Exodus 22:16 https://bbfohio.com

We discuss the "whisperer". Once we establish that there IS a time and place for proper and acceptable whispering, we confront the issue of those whose whispers, intentionally or not, produce strife and separation. And we explain how we handle such whisperers in the local church. https://bbfohio.com

We discuss a man with a froward spirit. It shows itself in thoughts that become words and deeds and it produces strife in the form of division, discord and confusion. Also Reference: Proverbs 4:24, Proverbs 11:20, Proverbs 22:5, Isaiah 26:3 https://bbfohio.com

| https://bbfohio.com

Digging up the past is not always to "diggeth up evil" and the point of our Proverb is that to do so with evil intent is the act of an evil man. But there are times when the past is a legitimate matter to discuss. As we shall discuss... Also Reference: 1 Timothy 1:19-20, 1 John 1:9 https://bbfohio.com

When an ungodly man digs up evil from your past, it's for the purpose of slander, abuse and in an effort to hurt or destroy you. We will discuss King David, Shimei and the pastor's past experiences... Also Reference: Philippians 3:13-14. Romans 14:4 https://bbfohio.com

It's a simple principle of nature and of Scripture: You work to feed yourself. Sadly, this basic work ethic is being destroyed by godless Liberalism and Progressivism as they seek to create a world of slaves. We will lay out the biblical case for "workfare" in charity toward the able-bodied homeless and unemployed. Also Reference: Romans 13:1-5, 1 Timothy 1:8-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Proverbs 16:25 https://bbfohio.com

We should consider "the end therof" when we embrace "ways" that seem right to us. What is the end thereof when it comes to the way you follow? Do your ways align with "the Way", Who is Jesus Christ? Also Reference: Acts 7:59-60, Acts 7:56, Luke 16:22 https://bbfohio.com

A way may SEEM right, but under scrutiny it turns out to be wrong. And in some cases, the results can be DEADLY. That is especially important when it comes to your eternal soul. Also Reference: Hosea 4:6, Philippians 2:6 https://bbfohio.com

When we read in several Scriptures that "Pleasant words are... health to the bones", we might not realize that this is literally TRUE. And the constant barrage of unpleasant words can "drieth the bones"! Also Reference: Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 17:22, Nehemiah 8:10 https://bbfohio.com

While laying down the reality that not every situation calls for "pleasant words" we should have a balance in our lives and should speak pleasant words when the situation calls for it and when others show kindness and care for you or others. Also Reference Proverbs 6:24, Proverbs 15:26 https://bbfohio.com

Our mouth and lips ought to be ruled by our heart. And if we are wise, then our heart is ruled by God's word. We then act and speak with Biblical wisdom. Also Reference: 1 Thessalonians 4:4 https://bbfohio.com

The wise child of God will not sit under and accept the instruction of fools, nor should we be responsible for teaching the instruction of fools. That is to be expected from the unsaved world, but not among God's children. https://bbfohio.com

We spend a few minutes discussing the five words "unto him that hath it". We all know those who do not. But we should all desire to be among those who do. Also Reference: 1 Kings 11:4, Proverbs 12:11 https://bbfohio.com

The lack of understanding can be deadly. The possession of understanding is "a wellspring of life". We discuss examples and illustrations of this truth. Also Reference: Ecclesiastes 7:17, Psalm 119:104 https://bbfohio.com

An interesting discussion of what the second half of this Proverb and a personal testimony of how that even as we teach the wisdom we learn, we increase our understanding and learning! https://bbfohio.com

It's important to define the terms and the Bible shows us what it means to be "prudent". We will consider a recently viewed video that actually demonstrates BOTH prudence and the lack of prudence. https://bbfohio.com

Only around 10-12% of people polled in a "General Social Survey" by scientists at the U. of Chicago described themselves as "very happy". We will discuss the reality that this is a CHOICE and that, sadly, even a good percentage of Christians fall into that same category of "not very happy" due to poor personal choices. https://bbfohio.com

Such a plain, simple truth that would probably be considered "obvious" to most professing Christians, yet MOST do not actually follow the truth of this Proverb. Meanwhile, even many unsaved people DO as Jesus confirms for us. Also Reference: Proverbs 4:5 https://bbfohio.com

Will you stand with the lowly or with the proud? It's the question underlying the choice between life and death, Jesus and Self. Pride is a self-imposed wall that keeps men from coming the the Saviour and will ruin our Christian walk if we let it rule over us. Also Reference: Matthew 10:32-33, 1 Peter 4:16, 2 Timothy 1:12 https://bbfohio.com

We look at God's attitude toward "the haughty" by discussing the definition of the term, it's use in Scripture and it's association with the spirit of Sodom. Also Reference: 2 Samuel 22:28, Isaiah 3:16-17, Ezekiel 16:49-50, Ephesians 4:22-24 https://bbfohio.com

Of the many pictures of Jesus that we see in Scripture, none is more clear and wonderful than this picture found in Isaac "the only son" of Abraham picturing Jesus "the only begotten Son" of the heavenly Father right here in Genesis. Also Reference: Hebrews 11:17-19, John 1:14 & 18, 1 John 4:9 https://bbfohio.com

The issue of "pride" is an important one. Always has been, but seems to increase as we get closer to the Rapture. There is NO place for pride when we are walking in the fruit of the Spirit of God. Also Reference: Proverbs 16:5 https://bbfohio.com

Serving the Lord is not difficult. God asks us to do what He also enables us to do. Our part is to simply stay on "the highway of the upright" and "keep" God's way by following God's word faithfully in this life. It really is that simple. Also Reference: Mark 9:41, Psalm 119:2-3 https://bbfohio.com