Expository Study: Proverbs

Shunning fools is not easy, especially when you have a heart for the lost and backslidden. But God's way is always the right way, so we need to learn to obey this Proverb which is backed by so many other Scriptural commands and admonitions. And if we are faithful to stand for the truth, most fools run from US and save us the trouble. https://bbfohio.com

Why does the Scorner fail to find wisdom? It's not something mystical or mysterious. It's simply a matter of choosing God's wisdom and receiving it. The scorner fails to do so. We look at two brothers, Christopher and Peter Hitchens, as examples of this choice and the consequences for each. https://bbfohio.com

This simple truth has some important implications upon our own daily witness and in dealing with other individual, including professing Christians who wittingly or unwittingly "utter lies". Many correctly see this in politicians, the news media and others "out there" in the world, but it's a real issue "in house" among believers. https://bbfohio.com

It's difficult to do any kind of work without needing to clean up. And even then, there is evidence of activity and there should be some evidence of productivity and increase. That is the message in this Proverb about Oxen and a clean crib. https://bbfohio.com

All Christians must be on guard to think about the words they use. Any of us can fall into the trap of careless words if we are not careful of our words. Jesus is the ultimate example and we know we can never live up to His standard, but we do have His words in a Book called, The Holy Bible: King James Version. https://bbfohio.com

Pride is behind the mouth of the foolish. And it's not a battle that ends when we get saved. We'll quote a Methodist writing in 1802, use detective Columbo as an illustration and reminisce about this preacher's foolish mouth with an incident that happened around 1985. https://bbfohio.com

This proverb marks the accumulation of 24 Hours of devotional material going verse by verse through the Book of Proverbs. It just so happens that this particular Proverb describes our purpose in producing these 5 minute devotionals as part of a balanced, daily spiritual diet consisting of the word of God, prayer and preaching the Gospel. https://bbfohio.com

The Biblical comparison between the wise woman and the foolish woman is clear. One builds and the other destroys. We will discuss how that we see this, today, in the "feminist" movement and attitude that has infected western culture and even Bible believing churches. Even so, we thank God for the many wise women who remain in our midst. https://bbfohio.com

The priestly instructions for (1) Trespass Offering, and (2) Peace Offering. https://bbfohio.com

There should be a stark contrast between you (as a born again, Bible believing Christian) and the unsaved wicked: contentment. We look at the clear, simple truth of this Proverb, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and and recognizing that this is an important mark of spiritual growth and maturity. https://bbfohio.com

A very simple, clear Proverb about demonstrating love for a child by loving them enough to NOT spare the rod but to use it "betimes" (as needed). This has an important message for us as regards our relationship with God the Father for both believers and false professors. https://bbfohio.com

A little read, seldom understood and almost completely ignored Proverb in our day contains a great nugget of wisdom. We may not be able to convince the world to take heed, but we can at least see this as an example of the amazing knowledge contained in this wonderful Book that we call the Holy Bible, King James Version. https://bbfohio.com

We will re-examine the application of Old Testament promises made to circumcised Jews under Mosaic Law in covenant with God as individual citizens of the nation of Israel. Naboth in 1 Kings 21 provides an exception to this Mosaic Covenant rule but actually IS "the rule" among believers in this present Dispensation of the Gospel of the Grace of God. https://bbfohio.com

The righteous are those who do good as a result of being moved and motivated by the Spirit of God and in obedience to His word. We should cling to this promise but we must keep it all in context and with the eternal perspective. https://bbfohio.com

What does it mean when our Proverb says, "Evil pursueth sinners"? We will discuss this and hear a personal testimony of this very fact and how that Jesus can save you from such consequences if you repent with faith in His Gospel. https://bbfohio.com

There are consequences for ignoring or rejecting God's word and doing things as you see fit. Being a companion of fools is one major example. If you choose not to be wise and walk with wise men, you will suffer destruction by being a companion of fools, not only in this life but at Judgment. https://bbfohio.com

While the Bible clearly tells us to walk with wise men and warns of the dangers if we walk with fools (which would include all who reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ), modern evangelicals and many pseudo-fundamentalists are teaching that we ought to form relationships with he unsaved in order to "reach them". Our Proverb refutes that notion, as does a simple Scripture with Scripture comparison with the examples of Jesus and the Apostles and followers of Christ. https://bbfohio.com

We begin Leviticus 6 with closing thoughts about the Trespass Offering and see the refutation of false accusations against God's word regarding "eye for an eye". We then move on to "the Law of the sacrifices" listing the requirements of the priesthood in fulfilling their role as the Type of Messiah as High Priest, fulfilled by Jesus Christ. https://bbfohio.com

After establishing the Biblical definition and understanding of the word "evil", we look at what is behind this statement in the second half of this Proverb. We see the reality of the unrepentant, unregenerate heart and the necessity OF repentance and regeneration in the mind and heart of the full to get his or her "cup turned right side up". https://bbfohio.com

When ignoring the context and intent of this Proverb, some find it to ring hollow. Many have accomplished their own desires and felt empty and unfulfilled. Why? Because they miss the necessity of our desires being God's own will working in our lives and that we cannot do this in our own strength! https://bbfohio.com

If you would like to be honoured as opposed to coming to poverty and shame, then be open to reproof. But such reproof must be Biblical! Don't be fooled into thinking that "old Christians" are all Biblical elders. All instruction and reproof should be Biblical, even when coming from an elder professing Christian. https://bbfohi.com

Those who refuse instruction are termed these days as "unteachable". And the Bible says such people will come to poverty and shame. We will discuss this warning and look to the apostle Paul for an example of how to handle such people. https://bbfohio.com

A faithful ambassador is health. To himself, to those he represents. We will look at the example found in the civil war era Ambassador of the U.S. to Russia, Cassius Clay. And close with a reminder from the pen of apostle Paul and the heart of God. https://bbfohio.com

We will describe what a "wicked messenger" is, why he falls into mischief and we will look at Balaam as our example. In so doing, we will answer a question about why the Jews slew him. https://bbfohio.com

The prudent man will face his lack of knowledge and be teachable. Fools think they know it all or simply think they don't need to learn anything. And as simple and clear as that fact is, the majority of people (including professing Christians) fall into the category of the FOOL in this matter. https://bbfohio.com