Expository Study: Proverbs

The way of righteousness is the way of God and in this Dispensation we have the full revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which puts us on a pathway for which "there is no death". The world offers nothing but death, delusion and deception. https://bbfohio.com

Despite the commentators and new versions that CHANGE and BUTCHER this Proverb (and others), we stick to the words of our King James Bible and look at a very important teaching on the slothful versus the diligent. I relate an example from my teen years and then we see how it relates to our culture and world in these last days. https://bbfohio.com

After a word of warning about those commentators changing God's word and turning this proverb into an unrecognizable mess, we look at what it says and see clearly that the "way" of the wicked seduces the wicked. Self-deception is the fall of the wicked. https://bbfohio.com

Once saved, Christians ought to desire to live righteously. It really does come down to simply doing what is right. We discuss the importance of the context of each text when we see the word "righteous" and then with our understanding of the meaning of the word in our particular Proverb, we close with application of the text. And we use the state of Texas for an example. https://bbfohio.com

A "good word" makes a heavy heart glad. And there is no better "good word" and God's word. Sadly, there are well-meaning folks who attempt other means for providing a "good word" while too many professing Christians are ill-equipped to the task because they have failed to hid God's word in their heart. https://bbfohio.com

A heavy heart can cause physical ill-health and even death. We will discuss what the medical field calls "Broken Heart Syndrome" but what also could be called "Heavy Heart Syndrome" and what is meant by "a good word" that can cure the heavy heart. https://bbfohio.com

It's a simple truth but modern culture and the present-day economy are both suffering from an massive increase of those who are not diligent and are slothful. We will discuss the Millennials (generation ages 18-29 or so) as an example and also the promise to believers who are diligent in their service of the Lord Jesus Christ. https://bbfohio.com

None of us want to be looked at as fools who proclaim foolishness. But it's a matter that begins with the heart. Prudence and foolishness are outward evidence of the inward condition of the heart. As believers who desire to be used of God to lead others to Christ, we must be concerned with this matter and avoid destroying our witness for the Gospel. https://bbfohio.com

Why would it ever be prudent to conceal knowledge. We will discuss a couple of humorous "reveal party" accounts as examples of concealing and NOT concealing knowledge but remind listeners that many times the consequences are much more serious. https://bbfohio.com

Lying lips are bad. But we must not only speak the truth but must "deal truly" if we want to please God. We'll compare such people who sound good but deal untruly with "snakes in the grass" as we consider the question, "Who do you live to please?" https://bbfohio.com

Lying lips are abomination to the Lord, even when the liar or the person spreading false information believes it to be for "a good cause". We address the not-so-rare phenomena of "right wing" (Christian, Constitutionalist, Conservative) sources reporting things that are not true. https://bbfohio.com

The wicked are filled with mischief. They add sin to sin. But that should not be true of the child of God. Born again Bible believers can count on God to fill them with His word, His Spirit and with His goodness if we will repent toward Him with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, beginning with our belief in the Gospel of the grace of God. https://bbfohio.com

WARNING: The fleshly man or woman will not understand this Proverb. Only saved, Spirit-filled Bible believers CAN understand this. Evil happens. But the just are not destroyed by it because even when evil happens, it is turned to his or her benefit! https://bbfohio.com

We can and should find our joy as God's counsellors. We counsel sinners to receive forgiveness of sin through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross and the power of His resurrection from the tomb. We ought to know and be equipped to provide counsel for life's other matters and difficulties from the wisdom of God's word. And what a JOY when we do! https://bbfohio.com

What makes people who do evil "tick"? Deception in the heart is behind the actions of the evil. God's word warns us about trusting our heart. Experience confirms this Biblical admonition. And Christians must be aware of the things that can draw us back into such a bad heart condition. https://bbfohio.com

Those whose tongues are given over to lying are oblivious to the fact that they may get by with it for some time, but it's just a "moment" compared to eternity. We discuss the foolish unbeliever and those professing Christians who are given over to a lying tongue, with an emphasis on what Jesus Christ has done to save us and to empower us to speak the truth and not lies. https://bbfohio.com

The lip of truth shall be established for ever. But the struggle is REAL. And it begins from our very first months as little toddlers. We will share the testimony of a young mother and reinforce the need to CHOOSE to speak the truth with our lips. https://bbfohio.com

We should be careful with our words. But we should also be sure not to be caught up on this "politically correct" culture of lies. Men can obey this Proverb without being feminized. Women can obey without becoming an enabler or passive supporter of someone or something that is wrong. Do this the right way and be a REAL source of encouragement when it's appropriate. Use wisdom in your words. https://bbfohio.com

Speak the truth and you show forth righteousness. Speak falsely and you show forth deceit. This will effect your own life but will also effect those around you and contributes to the condition of nations. https://bbfohio.com

This is an important Proverb that has a very important lesson for anyone who does not want to act the fool and also wants to demonstrate charity in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. https://bbfohio.com

Are you seeking God's wisdom and wise counsel or do you justify yourself in your own eyes? Are you teachable? Many will go to Hell because of this attitude but a lot of God's children fall into this deception and hurt their relationship with the Lord and with others as a result. https://bbfohio.com

A man who works with his hands to do good will be rendered good and a man who works with his hands to do evil will be rendered evil. A basic truth but we will discuss implications and applications taught and confirmed by Scripture. https://bbfohio.com

God's people should bear fruit with his words AND his deeds. But when a man talks but does not back it up with deeds, or cannot talk and work at the same time on the job, he destroys any "fruit" that might be borne and he is not pleasing the Lord. https://bbfohio.com

The just shall come out of trouble. In this life, that stands as a general rule and the rare exceptions only serve to prove that rule. But most importantly, the day is coming when the just come out of trouble permanently! https://bbfohio.com

The Lips of the wicked become his snare. We will discuss the various ways this Proverb is fulfilled by criminals and also see how God made provision in the Law for His people who swear wicked oaths. And the Psalmist provides testimony for how we OUGHT to use our LIPS. https://bbfohio.com