Proverbs on Rice Family Ministries

Proverbs 1:1

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

November 14, 2018

Proverbs 1:1

Intro.

I can think of nothing more needful in 2018 than learning wisdom. Lord willing I would like to be able to go through the book or proverbs, and glean the wisdom that God has given us from the wisest man on earth.

I. Proverbs #

A. Definition - #

A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom. Websters 1828

Proverbs 1:2

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

December 12, 2018

Proverbs 1:1-6

Intro.

If you remember we have already covered the first verse of Proverbs, 1. Proverb, 2. Parents 3. Product. Proverbs was written by the wises man ever. God said there wouldn’t be a man his equal in wisdom! Of course God has preserved these in His word, so they are not just from the wisest man ever, but God who is Omniscient. You cannot top that. Albert Einstein, Plato, Isaac Newton, Leonardo Da Vinci, Aristotle, Confucius, Galileo, Voltaire… these men do not hold a candle to Solomon. I don’t care what man says, God said, "Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." 2Ch 1:12 Proverbs "embody the philosophy of Heaven for the benefit of people living on earth." John Phillips.

Proverbs 1:7

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

December 19, 2018

Proverbs 1:7-9

Intro.

This probably should have been tagged on the last passage that we studied, and included with that section.

I. Authority of God (7) #

A. Fear of the Lord #

1. This is a phrase that is used in the Bible 30x, it is used 14x in the book of Proverbs. So it is an important phrase to understand. #

2. fear - 1: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger 2: anxious concern : solicitude 3: profound reverence and awe especially toward God 4: reason for alarm : danger #

3. Two Hebrew words, pachad, and yirah. We have one English word. After examining the usages of the word, it is clear that yirah is a reverence for God, while pachad is a fear as in afraid. #

4. Motivation from fear of pending judgment is not the purest motivational tool. #

5. Motivation from reverence is the right motivational tool in our Christian service. #

6. 2 Chr 19:5-9 - Both motivate #

7. v7 - pachad - FEAR that you do justly, don’t take bribes #

8. v9 - yirah - REVERENCE that you serve God out of reverence, faithfully, perfect heart! #

9. Pachad - FEAR - Isaiah 2:10-21 - 10,19, 21 - pending doom #

10. Yirah - REVERENCE #

11. Ps 19:9 - Clean, everlasting… we will not live in heaven in ‘fear, afraid of pending judgement’ but in reverence. #

12. Ps 111:10 - Beginning of wisdom #

Context is key!

13. FEAR breeds a desire to hide, and flee the pending wrath, whereas REVERENCE breeds a desire to serve in loyalty and awe! #

14. Without that REVERENCE for the creator, and recognition of the GREATNESS and power of God, you will not get knowledge. #

15. The devil falsifies knowledge with a rejection of God, and the creator… Evolution, gender neutral. #

16. An acknowledging reverence of God Almighty is fundamental to forward movement! Any "advancement" without that is fake, errant. #

B. Folly of the Fool #

1. Fools would rather forge their own path. #

2. Fools are wise in their own eyes, and therefore despise instruction and wisdom! No one is going to tell me what to do! #

Prov. 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

3. Every child is born with that ‘foolish' nature inside of them, that wants to overthrow authority, and carve their own path. #

II. Authority of Parents (8) #

Eph. 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Proverbs 1:10

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

January 9, 2019

Advice for a Son #

Pro 1:10-19

Intro.

We can see the advice coming from a fatherly figure, trying to counsel his son, and help him as he goes through life. As we read this, it is often applied to young people, but it is certainly not exclusively for young people. As we march through different stages in our life, there are certainly times when we will face temptation such as is described here. It would do us all well to pay attention to what is written, and keep it in our heart to protect our way.

Proverbs 1:20

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

January 17, 2019

Advice for the Simple and Scorners #

Pro 1:20-23

Intro.

In the last verses we were able to see the advice from a father to a son, in this passage we can see the advice for a simple person, as well as a scorner. There is a real contrast in the idea of a relationship between a father and son, and that of wisdom, and the simple, scorner, or fool. A father deals has a great deal of interest and love for his son, as does a son for his father. The same cannot be said of a simple person, a scorner, or a fool!

Proverbs 2:1

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

January 23, 2019

Proverbs 2:1-9

Pro 2:1

Intro.

As we read the text, I want you to take notice of two very important words in this text, “if” and “then”.

When I was in high school, they offered a beginners class on computer programming. One of the things that we learned, and is really important is the “if” “then” statements. Computers are not people, and cannot do deductive reasoning. However they can receive input, and then based on that input, do something else. So if this button is pressed this happens. They are conditional statements.

Proverbs 2:5

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

February 6, 2019

Proverbs 2:1-9

Pro 2:1

Intro

I. Our Responsibility

A. Accept it! - Receive! (1-2)

1. Hold it! “Receive my words” (1)

2. Hide it - “Hide my commandments with thee” (1)

3. Hear it - “incline thine ear unto wisdom” (2)

4. Heed it! “apply thine heart to understanding” (2)

B. Ask for it! (3) Cry

1. Asking is an act of humility

2. Asking in sincerity

Proverbs 2:10

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

February 13, 2019

Preserved from Corruption #

Proverbs 2:10-

Intro.

My mom did a lot of canning when I was growing up. She would boil bottles of vegetables, fruit, and even make jellies. It was a lot of work. The last thing that was needed was sealing those jars to preserve them. If they weren’t sealed, bacteria would get in there and break down the food. It would spoil. Solomon gives us a stern warning to Preserve us from Corruption.

Proverbs 3:1

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

February 20, 2019

Forget Not #

Pro 3:1-6

Intro.

I have been taking the passages one paragraph at a time. Usually the paragraph tends to have a fluid theme that runs through it. There are many things that tie these verses together, and yet at the same time, it is necessary to treat each of these topics on their own. The depth of thought that runs through each one, certainly merits a message in and of itself. We could entitle it the “Not” series.

Proverbs 3:3

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

February 27, 2019

Let Not #

Pro 3:1-6

Intro.

Take advantage of the opportunity! At the risk of sounding like a salesman, Solomon, is saying, when the opportunity of Mercy and Truth come knocking on your door, don’t refuse, don’t turn it down!

I. Let not! - Mercy & Truth (3) #

II. Grab hold of Mercy and truth! (write on heart) #

A. Mercy - not getting what we deserve. #

Mercy is not letting sin slide, but rather a recognition of that sin, judgment cast, and the sentence remitted or forgiven.

Proverbs 3:5

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

April 3, 2019

Learning to Lean #

Pro 3:5-6

Lu 17:5-6

Intro.

It is quite apropos that after our missions conference we should look at these two verses. They are two well known verses, often quoted, and yet hard to apply and live.

Faith is one of the topics that every time it is addressed, there is a need that our faith increase.

(Luk 17:5-6) (5) And the apostles said unto the Lord, [Increase our faith]{.underline}. (6) And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Proverbs 3:7

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

April 10, 2019

Proverbs 3:7-8

Intro.

Character is: 3. the particular quality or the sum of qualities, by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others; the stamp impressed by nature, education, or habit; that which a person or thing really is. 4. Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality 5. Moral quality; the principles and motives that control the life; 6. Quality, position, rank, or capacity; quality or conduct with respect to a certain office or duty 7. The estimate, individual or general, put upon a person or thing; reputation. - (Webster’s 1913)

Proverbs 3:9

Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 8, 2019

Honoring the Lord #

Proverbs 3:9-10

Intro.

Honor - Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence;

There are many ways to honor the Lord. We can honor God with our time, we can honor God with our talents, but in this proverb, we are admonished and encouraged to honor God with our Treasure!

Giving is:

I. Developed in the Heart #

A. Starts with your heart! #

If God doesn’t have your heart, your giving cannot be right!

Proverbs 3:11

Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 15, 2019

God’s Discipline #

Pro 3:11-12 - My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Intro.

There is a whole passage in Hebrews 12 that talks about the discipline of the Lord! It is very helpful. Hear, we have Solomons wise words on the matter. These verses are a little different in the previous sets, because, before, we have a reward, here, we just have reason. There is reward, and it is great… it is just not mentioned clearly here.

Proverbs 3:13

Wed, 22 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 22, 2019

Wisdom and Understanding #

Pro 3:13-20

I. Promise (13) #

A. Happiness #

Most people today, are not happy! They are mad, they are frustrated, they are disappointed, they are depressed, they are discouraged… Most people want to be happy!

True happiness is not found in possessions, power, or position, but rather in the knowledge offered by God!

Happiness Is The Lord

Happiness is to know the Savior

Proverbs 3:21

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 29, 2019

Living in Wisdom and Discretion #

Pro 3:21-26

Intro.

This passage clearly describes the benefits that we reap in life from keeping sound wisdom and discretion! We have to define terms, so we are all on the same page, and understand what we are talking about before we can see the benefits.

Terms:

Sound Wisdom - I want us to notice this is a specific form of wisdom, and not relegated to just wisdom. This is a specific form of wisdom, it is sound wisdom. (Pro 2:6-7)

Proverbs 3:27

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 5, 2019

Wisdom Shining Out #

Proverbs 3:27-25

Intro.

Solomon gives us the outward actions of the wise to those around them.

I. Good to Others (27-28) Helping #

A. Do Good! #

B. To whom it is due #

1. Pay our just debts without fraud, or delay. 2. To give wages to those who have earned them. 3. To provide for our relations, and those that have dependence on us, for to them it is due. 4. To render dues bot to church and state magistrates and ministers. 5. To be ready to all acts of friendship and humanity, neighbourly, 6. Charitable to the poor and necessitous, for needs of life. - Matthew Henry

Proverbs 4:1

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 12, 2019

The Principle Thing #

Pro 4:1-13

Intro.

In these 13 verses, Wisdom is held as the most important thing! Verse 7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing”. Yet it is often the most overlooked thing! We have elevated knowledge over wisdom! Look at all the degrees that people tote, and how elevated it is when someone has an earned degree. I’m not against education, I’m just contrasting the fact that God doesn’t elevate knowledge over wisdom! Wisdom is knowing what to do with the knowledge we have. Some people know a lot of things, but they don’t know how to use what they know.

Proverbs 4:20

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 23, 2019

Guard your Heart #

Intro.

Every passage we have looked at in Proverbs should impact our life, and change our life, however tonight, my prayer is that your life will be changed on a very deep level. The passage we are going to look at will give you the very key to changing the whole direction in your life. It should change the way you look at everything.

Proverbs 4:14

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 19, 2019

Warning #

Pro 4:14-19

Intro.

We go from a great contrast of blessings and benefits of wisdom, to the great extreme wickedness and absence of wisdom. Wisdom is life, the absence of wisdom is death, and destruction. It is clearly shown, and very strong advice is given here!

A friend of mine visited the ruins of Pompeii outside of what is today Naples in Italy. The Roman City of Pompeii was destroyed in A.D. 79. The explosion of Mount Vesuvius was so sudden, the residents were killed while in their routine: men and women were at the market, the rich in their luxurious baths, slaves at toil. They died amid volcanic ash and superheated gasses. Even family pets suffered the same quick and final fate. It takes little imagination to picture the panic of that terrible day. The saddest part is that these people did not have to die. Scientists confirm what ancient Roman writers record--weeks of rumblings and shakings preceded the actual explosion. Even an ominous plume of smoke was clearly visible from the mountain days before the eruption. If only they had been able to read and respond to Vesuvius’s warning! There are clearly outlined warnings in the Word of God that countless amounts of people ignore on a regular basis!

Proverbs 5:1

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

July 10, 2019

Pitfalls of Perversity #

Pro 5:1-6

Intro.

What God has made, Satan has imitated, cheapened, and ruined. (Peru knockoffs) When God was done with creation, the Bible says, “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

We live in a perverse society. Perversity is regularly propagated by the TV, internet, radio, billboards, magazines, and on the streets. A godless society, will naturally cave to the fleshly sinful desires of man. One of those desires is perverse pleasures of the flesh.

Proverbs 6:1

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

July 24, 2019

Finances and Friends #

Pro 6:1-5

Intro.

Two very problematic areas for people are covered in the Bible here. Woman in chapter 5, and friends in chapter 6. Nothing has ruined a friendship faster than finances.

I. Snare of Suretyship (1-5) #

A. Defined #

In Bible times it would mean that you would be responsible for someone or something.

In the famine, when Israel sent his sons to Egypt for food, Judah says of Benjamin his brother:

Proverbs 6:16

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

July 31, 2019

Things the Lord hates! #

Proverbs 6:16-19

Intro. It is stated several times in the Bible that man has hated God! But no where in the Scripture will you find God hating man. You find quite the opposite!

“For [God so loved]{.underline} the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Proverbs 6:20

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

August 7, 2019

Parents and the Home #

Pro 6:20-35

I. Parental Concern (Pro 6:20-23) #

Parents

It takes a Father and Mother to make a home!

Break down in society, breakdown of the home.

The ugly truth about divorce, it breaks a home!

I know we have divorced people in here. Let me try to help those who don’t bare those scars for a moment.

A. Lock - bind, tie (21) #

These are to be bound in our heart!

Proverbs 7:1

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

August 14, 2019

Importance of the Word #

Proverbs 7:1-5

Intro.

These first few verses stress the importance of the Word of God. Again, we see the introduction, “My son”, once again as a father to a son. It is fair to take this as the Father, to you, his child.

I. Priority of the Word (1-2) #

A. Lifeline - “and live” #

Salvation - eternal life

Proverbs 7:6

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

August 21, 2019

Warnings #

Pro 7:6-10

Intro.

Solomon here uses a story to illustrate what he has just warned about.

This very scene unfolds night after night, it is ageless, and continues to take place. You CANNOT relegate this to being old fashioned, in 2019, I can promise you this same exact scenario takes place all around the world.

Solomon here illustrates the story from a young man’s perspective, but you could reverse the rolls, and find the same to be true. The application goes both ways.

Proverbs 8:11

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 4, 2019

Wisdom’s Plea #

Proverbs 8:1-11

Intro.

In chapters 8, and 9, the theme of the Book of Proverbs has shifted. There is no longer the phrase, “My son”. We see all the reasons and benefits of Wisdom in these next two chapters.

I. The Places (1-3) #

A. High places - (2) #

God can be observed in every aspect of nature - incredible.

Proverbs 8:12

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 11, 2019

Wisdom’s Presentation #

Proverbs 8:12-

Intro.

Chapter 8, is all about Wisdom. Last week we looked at [Wisdom’s Plea]{.underline}, in verses 12-21, we can see clearly [Wisdom’s Presentation]{.underline}. Wisdom needs to be clearly displayed in our lives. We will see next week [Wisdom’s Person]{.underline}. Even in this section, it becomes very clear that Wisdom is equated to the very Person of God! The word’s Wisdom and God become synonymous in this chapter. As a result, we can clearly see the handiwork of God in our life.

Proverbs 8:22

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 18, 2019

Wisdom Portrayed as God #

Proverbs 8:22-36

Intro.

In the beginning of Chap 8, we see Wisdom’s Plea, then we see Wisdom’s Presentation, today we will look at Wisdom portrayed as God

I. Wisdom’s Infinity (22-29) #

A. Constancy of God/Wisdom (22-26) #

Possessed of the Lord!

Infinite, without Beginning, and end!

Difficult grasp no beginning

B. Creation of God/Wisdom (27-29) #

Wisdom Witnessed Creation

Proverbs 9:1

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 25, 2019

Wisdom, Your Choice #

Proverbs 9

Intro.

In Chapter 8 and 9 we can see the total Praise of Wisdom.

This chapter shows a real contrast between right and wrong at work! We can see God’s invitation to man, as well as Satan’s invitation to man. Man is in the middle, and being called both ways! Clearly it is a picture of life, and the choice, and decision made in life.

Proverbs 10:1

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 1, 2019

Lessons from Proverbs 10 #

Proverbs 10

Intro.

Up until now, we have been in the introduction to the Book of Proverbs. The word “proverb” is defined as

1. A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom. (Webster’s American Dictionary 1828)

Each proverb stands on it’s own. Think of them as individual ponds of water, not a continuous flow of a river. We are going to try to take larger themes from each chapter to keep us moving through the book. We could spend the next 5 years going through every verse, but we have a whole Bible to study.

Proverbs 11:1

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 9, 2019

Lessons from Proverbs 11 #

Proverbs 11:1

Intro.

Much of this chapter deals with Righteousness or being upright, or just. You will see these words used more than any other topic in this chapter.

I. Righteousness Defined (1, 3) #

“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3)

A. Honesty - (1) #

Bible times, they didn’t have digital scales. They would have a set of weights, and a scale. If you wanted a lb of flour, they would put a 1lb weight on one side, and weigh out 1lb of flour. To cheat people, their 1 lb weight, wouldn’t weigh a pound.

Proverbs 12:1

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 23, 2019

What Kind of a Person are you? #

Proverbs 12:1-4

Intro.

The word most used in this Proverb is man. This can apply to both man and woman. As the Bible says in 2 Peter 3:11 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,"

I. Wise Man (1-4) #

Not a wise guy.

Proverbs 13:1

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 30, 2019

Importance of Words #

Proverbs 13

Intro.

Words have a profound effect on people, and lives. Words are used to express an opinion, or idea that one may have. The Bible gives ample warning about the use of our tongue, mouth, and lips in the form of words. Words have been known to start a war, take the very life from people. Words have also been used to build some very successful people in the world. Words were used to frame our very Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Words can be used to accurately record history, or misconstrue historical facts. Words are important!

Proverbs 14:1

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

November 6, 2019

Direction in Life #

Proverbs 14

Intro.

Ways, way

I. Upright way (2) #

Uprightness - honesty; integrity in principle or practice; conformity to rectitude and justice in social dealings.

A. Lesson of David! #

God appears to Solomon and offers whatever he wants:

“And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.” (1 Kings 3:6)

Proverbs 15:1

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

November 13, 2019

What Does God See? #

Proverbs 15:3

Intro.

What does God see? If we could be mindful of this in our life all the time, it would be of great value and benefit to the way we live our life from day to day.

I. Power of Words (1,2,3a) #

A. Soft Words - (1) #

Doesn’t imply a weak or compromising answer.

Jesus often gave a soft answer when dealing with the Pharisees who came accusing Jesus in attempts to trap Him.

Proverbs 16:1

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

January 8, 2020

God’s Way is Best #

Proverbs 16:1-5

Intro.

LORD is used more times in this chapter of Proverbs than any other chapter in the entire book of Proverbs. It is used 11 times. There is probably something we should get from that.

Is. 55:6 ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Is. 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Is. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Is. 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 17:1

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

January 15, 2020

Four Features of a Fool #

Intro.

Fool is a prominent word in Chapter 17. We do understand that the Proverbs are not a continuous flow of thoughts, but rather a collection of wise sayings. By selecting a prominent word, by no means am I covering the entirety of the chapter. I have only selected a few proverbs that appear in the same chapter, and teaching on them. There are many themes, and lessons that can be learned from chapter 17 that will not be touched tonight… so by all means, do take the time to read Proverbs 17, and see other things written in there.

Proverbs 18:1

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

January 22, 2020

I. Wise Person #

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:1-5

Wise Person (Pro 18:1)

A. Desire #

• You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink

• You can lead a fool to wisdom, but you cannot make him learn.

B. Decision (separate) #

• You decided to come to church, you choose, with purpose to arrive at church.

• People don’t always choose to do the right thing.

Proverbs 18:6

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 5, 2020

A Word to the Wise #

Proverbs 18:6-8

Introduction

Proverbs is FULL of wisdom. Reading, understanding, and applying the wisdom in the Book of Proverbs is of a great benefit to every person. This evening, we need to take just these few verses, and apply them to our life in 2020. It is a “Word to the Wise”.

Prov. 13:1 ¶ A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 18:9

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 12, 2020

Stewardship #

Prov. 18:9 ¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

I. Stewardship – slothful, Diligence #

A. Slothfulness #

1. Physical Rest is not the same as slothfulness. #

- The Bible gives us provision for rest… matter of fact, God rested on the 7^th^ day as an example to man.
- The law even provided times for the fields to be left to ‘rest’.
- Gen. 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
- Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
- Matt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2. Sin of laziness (How does God view laziness) #

Slothful – inactive; sluggish; lazy; indolent; idle

- We live in a lazy society… $50 an hour, no work.
- People are lazy spiritually… Bible reading… too much work…. They have time for a ball game, friends, and all kinds of other activities. - Preaching to the choir
- If we are not careful, laziness can creep into every one of our lives! - boiling frogs… (Gibbs)
- Rom. 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- May we not become slothful in our spiritual business.

B. Waster #

Waster – one who squanders, consumes or expends extravagantly a prodigal.
Prodigal – given to extravagant expenditure expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful

Luke 15:11-13 - “wasted his substance with riotous living”
Everyone of us know that is not right.

C. Brother – similarities #

Brothers are usually similar in appearance.

Proverbs 18:12

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 19, 2020

Which path will you choose? #

Prov. 18:12 ¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

I. Path to destruction or honor (Pro 18:12) #

There are two very distinct pathways laid out before us in this verse.
The one path, is a well worn path, it looks like the most successful of people have traveled that path before… it looks like it is the path to success if you look at it.

Proverbs 18:13

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 26, 2020

Practical Wisdom #

Proverbs 18:13 -

Introduction

I. Hearing (Proverbs 18:13) #

A. Ahasuerus #

1. Didn’t listen (Esther 3:8-10) #

The King wasn’t influenced by facts!
The King was influenced by finances!
Prov. 17:23 ¶ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

B. Israel’s promise: #

Gen. 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Foolish to allow the Jews to be destroyed in his kingdom.

C. Listen to God! #

Rev. 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Proverbs1 8:17

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 8, 2020

Proverbs 18:17

Introduction

I. Diligence (Pro 18:17) #

Prov. 18:17 ¶ He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

A. First report #

1. Two siblings… the first one that can get to the parent, and give a report… will spin it to make sure they appear right #

2. If you only listen to one side of the story… you will likely side with that person. #

There are always those who are more than willing to run around and give their story so others will feel bad for them.
There is always another side to the story, if you only take the one side, you will not know the full truth.
Vs 13 – He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

B. Two ears #

We should always be careful to look for both sides.
Justice resides somewhere in the middle of both stories.

II. Casting lots (Proverbs 18:18) #

Prov. 18:18 ¶ The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

Proverbs 18:20

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 15, 2020

Life Lessons #

Proverbs 18:20-24

Introduction

Lord willing I would like to finish this chapter up. Again, these thoughts are not always tied together, so we will simply take each verse as it stands. The first two verses deal with the same subject matter, so we are able to put those under the same point.

I. Words to mean something (Proverbs 18:20) #

A. Power of words (Pro 18:21) #

1. Your words carry a lot of weight. #

2. Some words, are not helpful. Matter of fact, they are empty over all. #

James 3:10-12 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Proverbs 19 - Path

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 22, 2020

Path of Life #

Proverbs 19:1, 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 20, 23, 24, 27

Introduction

We will look at this Proverbs in the categories that are presented in this Proverb. This will help us maintain a consistent message as we look at each category that is presented. I have categorized this Proverb into five categories: 1. Path (10 verses), 2. Influence (6), 3. Punishment (5), 4. Family (4), 5. Anger (2), and 6. No Category (3).

Proverbs 19 - Path

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 29, 2020

Instruction #

Proverbs 19:20

Introduction

Last week we looked at: Path of Life: 1. Integrity, 2. Ignorance 3. Idleness 4. Intelligence

All the verses we will look at tonight pertain to Instruction. Proverbs talks a lot about instruction. Really, in the Path of life, we have access to a lot of instruction. We pick and chose the instruction we want to follow. As we study the Proverbs, understand that for the most part when instruction is mentioned, it is talking about spiritual godly instruction found in the Word of God. You will find no greater instruction.

Proverbs 19 - Influence

Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

May 5, 2020

Influence #

Proverbs 19

Introduction

Sometimes as christians we get the idea, that we are powerless, and have no influence here on this earth. Jesus said we are the salt of the earth. We are to be a testimony. Much of that has to do with our influence on other people. As a young person right out of Bible college, a pastor whom I greatly respected recommended I read, “How to win friends and influence people.” A book, I never would have picked up and read on my own. There is a practical side to influencing people. If we want to have a good influence, which we should have in our community, we must understand these very practical truths from the Bible to help us understand our influence on people.

Proverbs 19 - Influence

Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

May 12, 2020

Character of Heart #

Proverbs 19

As we continue to look at our influence in this world, it is important to remember and think about these things. These proverbs have many different ways to look at them. As I have categorized them, we are only looking at one category they fit into.

I. Place – Pro 19:10 #

Prov. 19:10 ¶ Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Proverbs 19 - Punishment

Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

May 20, 2020

Punishment #

Proverbs 19:5, 9, 25, 29

Introduction

The Bible clearly shows and displays the compassion, and love of God. Sometimes, people ask the question, “How can a loving God punish people?” Some people could be confused by that. A mom, that loves her child, will at times have to punish and correct her child. Jesus illustrates the undying love of God in the parable of the prodigal son, and at the same time, we can see the need for correction and punishment in

Proverbs 19 - Family

Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

May 27, 2020

3 Homes #

Proverbs 19:13, 14, 18, 26

Introduction

There are three institutions that God created here on the earth, the Home, the church, and the government. None of these is as important as the home! It was the first one instituted. While church is certainly essential, a church can only be as strong as the families that make it up. We live in a day, where a family that was setup God’s way is rare to find. By the way, this is not new, if you read the OT, you will find that families were quite a mess many times in the OT as well.

Proverbs 19 - Anger

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

June 3, 2020

Anger #

Proverbs 19:19

Introduction

We need to be careful that we do not paint anger or wrath as a bad thing. Anger is an emotion that is felt.

Eph. 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

God is holy, and without sin. Yet, he has wrath, and anger.

I. Anger without Discretion (Pro 19:19) #

Prov. 19:19 ¶ A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Proverbs 20 - Deceit

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

June 10, 2020

Deceit and Deception #

Proverbs 20:1, 16, 19, 17

Introduction

Sometimes we can be very innocent, and naive in life, and not realize there are people that are not trustworthy as well as things that cannot be trusted. The Bible helps us to know what to look out for. It will benefit us, so as to be wise in this world.

The Bible, and especially the book of Proverbs serves as a great practical book, to help us be wise in a world of much foolishness.

Proverbs 20 - Authority

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

June 17, 2020

Authority #

Proverbs 20:2

Introduction

We live in a society that knows very little of authority. Respect for authority is lost. Children in schools are taught by example, they do not have to respect their teacher. Teachers are stripped of the authority they once had. We see this in a dis-respect, and even scorning of law and order in our country. Many times people excuse rebellion to authority based on abuse of authority. This does take place, and even in Paul’s day, it was it was a problem, and Paul in the NT still wrote,

Proverbs 20 - Integrity

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

June 24, 2020

Integrity #

Proverbs 20:7 – The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Introduction

Integrity is something that is very important. Integrity is not something easily viewed. Integrity is that personal desire to do what is right when no one is around to notice, and no one will ever find out. It is closely related to character.

I. Integrity in Conduct (Proverbs 20:7) #

A. Integrity in Action – Job, David, Samuel, Daniel, Joseph #

1. Integrity does not come naturally #

Prov. 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 20 - Integrity

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

July 8, 2020

Integrity #

Introduction

Prov. 20:11 ¶ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

We are known by our actions…

Integrity is a very important characteristic that every christian should work on in their life. It is obtained by allowing God to have control of our life. We are born liars, manipulators, who try to get our way…

Proverbs 20 - Counsel

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

July 15, 2020

Counsel #

Proverbs 20:15

Introduction

We live in the age of information. Smart phones have made us dumber. The sharpening of technology has dulled the intellectual ability to reason and remember.

The older, wiser generation, may not understand this, but the younger generation will understand, you don’t have one phone number memorized.

We don’t need to understand things, we can just look it up. Intellectual understanding has been devalued due to the in-exhaustible resources at the very tip of our fingers with a smart phone & internet.

Proverbs 20 - Various

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

July 29, 2020

Miscellaneous Thoughts #

Proverbs 20:12, 20, 30

Introduction

Tonight is more of a shotgun message, it will hit all over the place instead of just hitting one theme. These are the last three verses that I was not able to fit into a category in this chapter. From Proverbs 10 on, we have many sayings that are not necessarily themed, or go together. For sake of thought and continuity, I have been going through each chapter, and connecting the dots between the thoughts that are covered to give us a uniform way to look at them, and cover topics.

Proverbs 21 - Way

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

August 5, 2020

Which Way Should You Go? #

Proverbs 22:1, 2, 8, 16, 21, 29

Introduction

I have never made any claims about being good with directions, because the truth of the matter is I’m not that good with directions. I have to see a map, and really spend some time looking at a map to figure things out.

Some people struggle with directions on a spiritual level, and are often confused, and struggle with the right direction in their life. All the verses we will look at this evening deal with the Way. Perhaps you ask yourself, Which Way Should I Go? Many times we stand at a cross road in our life, trying to figure out the best path to take. I hope tonights message will help you, and encourage you to take the right path.

Proverbs 21 - Justice

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

August 12, 2020

Judgment #

Proverbs 21:3

Introduction

When we think of judgment, we tend to think of a judge setting on a throne, passing judgment on someone for wrong doing. While the picture is not wrong, that is a form of judgment, it is not quite complete either.

In looking at Judgment in chapter 21, it paints quite a different picture. Imagine yourself as the judge, now setting at the bench, and every day, deciding what is right and what is wrong in life. Deciding what you must do as a christian. - When you look at it in that light, it paints a very ideal picture of what judgment is.

Proverbs 21 - Treasure

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

August 19, 2020

Treasures #

Proverbs 21:5-6

Introduction

A practical look at treasure, getting, gain, finances and the christian.

I. Diligent Gain (Pro 21:5a) #

Pro 21:5a – The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness;

A. Person of diligence (Joseph was diligent) #

A diligent person is someone who is steady in application to business, they are in constant effort to accomplish the goal.
Christians should be diligent people, the ant is one of the most diligent of creation, and God tells us to observer their ways! They are constantly diligently preparing for winter.

B. Planning, preparing (Joseph prepared) #

Some people act with no thought!
A diligent person, will be thinking ahead, planning and preparing!
Someone wise once said, “Prior proper planning prevents poor performance.” - not Bible, still good.
Not all plans work, but having no plan is in essence planning to fail.

C. Plenteousness (Egypt had plenty) #

There is provisions for hard times.

II. Deceitful Gain (Pro 21:5b, 6) #

Prov. 21:5b ...but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 21 - Wickedness

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

August 25, 2020

The Wicked Way #

Proverbs 21:27

Introduction

The word wicked or wickedness is used more frequently in the book of Proverbs than any other book of the Bible. It is used 9 times in 6 verses in this chapter. It is a theme can cannot be missed in this chapter.

I. Worship of the Wicked (Pro 21:27) #

Proverbs 21:27 – The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Proverbs 21 - Wise

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 2, 2020

Three Observations about the Wise #

Proverbs 21:11

Introduction

If you want to learn something, it is best to study someone who is successful. You don’t study someone who is poor, on how to handle finances (unless you are looking for what not to do). You don’t get counsel from someone who isn’t married about marriage. You don’t get wisdom from a fool. So it is very appropriate that we would get three observations about wise people, from the wisest man that ever lived. God has preserved these timeless truths in His Word, for us to learn from.

Proverbs 21 - Misc

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 9, 2020

Proverbs of Life #

Proverbs 21

Introduction

We have the six miscellaneous verses left in Proverbs 21 that I couldn’t put into a category. So we will cover several things and try to get through all of them this evening. These could all be thrown into a very general category of Life. How to live life.

I. Choosing a Right spirit (attitude) or spouse (9, 19) #

NOTE:

Proverbs 22 - Family

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 16, 2020

Family Values #

Proverbs 22:1

I. Testimony (Pro 22:1) Testimony #

A. Fictional - False Image #

1. Virtual Image #

One of the greatest inherent dangers of the internet, is anyone with a little computer knowledge, can create a website, false credentials, and look good on a website!
Crooks, scam artists, the identity thieves do it
One of my problems with ‘virtual church’

Image you portray online… what do you paint as yourself.
People often mask who they are, and what they represent.
This is a serious danger of meeting people online
Police do this in sting operations, posing as someone they are not.

3. Who you really are??? #

You know in your heart, what is in there.

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Proverbs 22 - Poor

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 23, 2020

3 Warnings #

Proverbs 22:2

Introduction

A warning is an alarm that sounds for a particular reason. If the fire alarm were to sound in the building, you would get up, and make your way outside quickly. It is an alarm. Sometimes we become conditioned to ignore the alarm going off! Many times in homes, the smoke alarm sounds, and it is often just something that has burned in the kitchen, and we grow used to just ignoring the alarm. You are faithful and I appreciate your faithfulness, I don’t want us, me or you to become use to hearing the alarm, and just dismissing it.

Proverbs 22 - Paths

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 30, 2020

Looking ahead – Two Trails #

Watch out! Watch where you are going! Be Careful!

Proverbs 22:3

Introduction

This verse sums up what we will look at this evening. Simply put, watch where you are going! When you have kids, you are always looking out for them. Watching where they are going, and what is going on. How many times have you kept your child from running into something or someone because they were not watching where they were going! Spiritually we need to be on watching where we are going, and where we will end up.

Proverbs 22 - Friends

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

October 7, 2020

Friends #

Proverbs 22:9

Introduction

The friends we have and make, in life tell a lot about us. The Bible has a lot to say about friendship, we will not cover it all in a single lesson. We will simply touch a few points on the subject.

Verse 9 could easily fit into a financial category about generosity and giving, it also fits into a friendship category. Giving to others, and befriending the poor. That is something that Jesus did in his earthly ministry. It is usually the poor that need friends, and the help that we can offer. People who are rich, often have more friends than they know what to do with, and half of their friends are not really friends, but fleas looking for what they can get.

Proverbs 22 - God’s Will

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

October 14, 2020

What God Wants #

Proverbs 22:17-21, 12

Introduction

You can spend a lifetime studying the Word of God. There has never been a book written like the Word of God. It is a timeless book, that speaks to the heart of the listener like NO OTHER literary work on earth! That is because it is a heavenly book, that originated in heaven, was given on earth, preserved through the ages. You are holding it in your hands today. Tonight, I want to give a very clear message recorded in the Word of God on what God wants for each person! Nothing is worse, than not knowing what is expected of you in a given situation.