Expository Study: Proverbs

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

This Proverb is clear enough but in application, we see that it is misunderstood and misapplied, or completely ignored by many. Especially those who reject the necessity of calling on men to repent and believe the Gospel. This Proverb is a rebuke of Laodicean antinomianism and a call for repentance to all others. Also Reference: Acts 20:21, Acts 26:20 https://bbfohio.com

Those who reject wisdom do so out of a self-deception that they will GAIN something in their foolishness. We discuss the "woke" cult of our present day in these end times in light of this truth. Also Reference: Jeremiah 6:30, Romans 1:28, 2 Timothy 2:8, Titus 1:16, 1 Timothy 6:10 https://bbfohio.com

We should want to be in the king's favor as we should want to get along with everybody when it is at all possible. We will discuss where that line is where we can no longer please kings and leaders with an example in John the Baptist and the words of Jesus, Paul, Peter and Jude. Also Reference: 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Matthew 10:28, Jude 24-25 https://bbfohio.com

Various Kings and Queens exemplify what it looks like to either ignore or to heed this Proverb. We mention King George III of England as an example of one who ignored it while also mentioning Queen Victoria I of England as heeding it. https://bbfohio.com

We will consider this straightforward statement about kings and see the ramifications in human history as well as contemporary society and nations. And we will also consider the implications for God's children who have been MADE kings and priests. Also Reference: 1 Corinthians 4:8, Revelation 1:5-6 https://bbfohio.com

Just weights and balances sound like a boring subject unless you become the VICTIM of such wickedness. But what if you already ARE a victim and just don't know it? Money. Also Reference: 1 Timothy 6:10, Proverbs 20:23 https://bbfohio.com

We see a Proverb describing the ideal. So, we must look to the Scripture for the big picture and see that this ideal will one day be realized when Jesus rules as King of kings! Also Reference: Colossians 3:18, Acts 20:27, Luke 1:32 https://bbfohio.com

This Proverb could be titled, "Clash of the Wills". We address the question of free will and how that plays out when our will goes against God's will with an appeal for the alternative of allowing our will to be in submission to God's will. Also Reference: Jeremiah 10:23, Matthew 18:7, 1 Corinthians 2:9 https://bbfohio.com

We're better off being content with little while living lives that please the Lord than to seek "great revenues" without doing what is right. https://bbfohio.com