Expository Study: Proverbs

Many Christians embrace ignorance with a pretention of spirituality while claiming, "I just trust the Lord to give me words to speak when needed." But that is anti-Biblical HOGWASH unless that person has prepared himself or herself in obedience to God's word. Also Reference: 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:15 https://bbfohio.com

After reviewing the repeated refrain of "The fear of the Lord" in this 10th of 14 such mentions in Proverbs, we focus on the emphasis made of humility in those to whom honour is earned and due. Also Reference: Proverbs 1:29, Psalm 53:1, Luke 6:39, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 1:21-25 https://bbfohio.com

A little reminiscing is a good thing when we learn from our past mistakes. And in this case, a childhood memory reminds us of the difference between hearing and "getting it" with hearing not ignoring reproof. https://bbfohio.com

Refusal to be teachable and receive wisdom from God's word and from Biblical counselors is nothing short of self-destructive. That is the bottom line as we discuss this Proverb. https://bbfohio.com

What is the reproof of life? We must be careful to only hear wisdom coming from someone providing Biblically sound, reasonable reproof. That is rarely the case with much of the reproof offered by people these days! https://bbfohio.com

The Biblical use of the term "fat" is usually in reference to prosperity and good health. In our text, we see the necessity of balancing the positive and negative in our lives. If we do, it makes our bones "fat" or healthy. So, stay FAT! https://bbfohio.com

A reminder for those of us who have ever felt like the Lord wasn't hearing our prayers. We will discuss a couple of things to keep in mind as we seek to live by faith and NOT by feelings. Also Reference: 1 Peter 3:12 https://bbfohio.com

What does it mean when Jesus says, "God heareth not sinners" and Christians say that, "God doesn't hear the prayers of the unsaved?" How does that mesh with an all-knowing (Omniscient) God who hears all and knows all? Also Reference: John 9:31, Acts 28:26-27, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 https://bbfohio.com

How can the Omnipresent God who is in all places at all times be "far from the wicked"? We will discuss that and also discuss the reality when His children feel like He is distant or not hearing our prayers. Also 1 John 1:9, Psalm 10:1, Psalm 10:17 https://bbfohio.com

The statement that "the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things," seems a bit obvious but we will discuss the SOURCE of what pours out of the mouths of the wicked and why so many Christians so often appear to do the same. Also Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Psalm 19:14 https://bbfohio.com

We exemplify the correct heart attitude when, as Christians, we study to answer and do not just blurt out unfounded or false information. Scripture challenges us to be students of the Bible and to hear a matter fully before commenting. Also Reference: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15, Proverbs 18:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:10 https://bbfohio.com

Our vision is clouded by "gifts" in the form of bribes, pay offs, kick backs, etc. The wise man will heed this Proverb, adopt this principle. And it applies to individuals, families, churches, businesses, government, etc. Also Reference: Proverbs 29:4, Proverbs 2:7 https://bbfohio.com

| https://bbfohio.com

A misunderstanding of the second half of this Proverb can be disastrous to the life of the Christian who seeks to please God. Also Reference: John 2:11-17 https://bbfohio.com

We are under a constant barrage of "the thoughts of the wicked" which are an abomination to the Lord because they are in exact opposition to His truth. The wicked are full of LIES. Also Reference: Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1:26-27, Acts 17:11, John 14:6, Romans 3:4 https://bbfohio.com

What is meant by God establishing "the border of the widow"? We will discuss this and it's application to all of God's children... https://bbfohio.com

The god of pop-culture is a free-loving hippie who never judges anyone. But the God of the Bible is Who the Bible says He is. And He is the Destroyer of the house of the proud. Also Reference: Matthew 11:29, Proverbs 28:26, Jeremiah 4:22, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 & Luke 19:10. https://bbfohio.com

A wonderful Proverb that lays out the truth and reality in such clear terms. If Christians lived by the commandments of Jesus (as quoted in the devotional) then they would find this Proverb to be a wonderful confirmation and encouragement to them as we live lives in conformity to God's will as expressed in His word. Also Reference: Matthew 6:19-21, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 10:28. https://bbfohio.com

A word spoken in due season is a word that is TRUE, spoken with good intentions and spoken at the right time. We will discuss what this means and provide some pointers on how to speak a word in due season. https://bbfohio.com

There is joy to be found when we answer with our mouths and that answer is true and Biblical. And that can be and MUST be true, even when the hearer is not pleased with that answer! Also Reference Matthew 23 and 2 Timothy 4:2-4. https://bbfohio.com

It's great to take responsibility and try to do your job and live your life without always needing help from others. But that must include a willingness to receive good counsel when needed. A "know-it-all" attitude is the road to disaster! Also Reference: Isaiah 30:1, Psalm 73:24 and James 3:16. https://bbfohio.com

We discuss why it is that a man of understanding walk uprightly. What does it mean to be "a man of understanding"? And how do we respond when we see men and women fall? Also Reference: Galatians 6:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Luke 17:3 and Hebrews 3:12. https://bbfohio.com

What is folly and who find joy in it? We will see that folly isn't funny to anyone with Biblical wisdom. True Joy comes from God and His salvation! Also Reference: Proverbs 13:16 & Isaiah 12:3 https://bbfohio.com

We look at what "mother" means and why, in practical terms, only a fool would despise his own mother. And if your mother is still alive, it's not to late to show your appreciation! Also Reference: Exodus 20:21, Proverbs 20:20 https://bbfohio.com

A simple enough statement. A wise son will make his father glad to have him as a son. But it bears discussion in these days when most fathers are "sad" and not glad. This reminds us where our ultimate gladness, peace and joy must come from! Also Reference: Psalm 70:4 https://bbfohio.com