The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Proverbs

  • The Way that Seems Right

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    Proverbs 16:25

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). Consider what comes when one behaves as a fool. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

    As Christians, notice what we should learn about how to live wisely. “1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). Clean means “clear; pure (morally). People generally think they are right (basically morally good). However, we recognize that it is the Lord who weigheth (means “measure out as with a balance”) the spirits. Spirits means “the element of life in the soul—the part of man that enables him to think and reason”. The Lord will prepare our heart if we let Him. Having done this, God knows the intents of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). Also remember what is recorded by Jeremiah. “23. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23-24). It is important to recognize that a Christian must check their lives according to what God says in His Word – not compare that life to other Christian’s lives. Knowing God’s Word helps us understand what God expects. As a Christian reads the Bible, sin is revealed that must be corrected. We are to use God’s Word to understand how to correct our hearts and lives.

    Use the following to help you understand only a few wise words by which to live found in Proverbs:

    The following is something very important all Christians should do: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). When we follow after God and His ways, our thinking will be correct (established means “stable, fixed or set aright”).

    Remember: God made everything for Himself. “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4). Accept God’s sovereignty. We are to understand that God is in control. We are to please God, not ourselves. Remember the fool: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1). Then remember the faithful who trust God: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). A Christian must get in step with and walk with God!

    “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). Even if all of the world joins you, if you are proud in heart (means: “raised up within the center of being—heart, emotions, will”), you will be an abomination (means: “morally disgusting”) to the Lord and will not go unpunished. It really does not matter what everybody else is doing; it matters that Christians do what is pleasing to God.

    “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). When man fears God and departs from evil, God forgives.

    “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). What great motivation to want to please the Lord!

    “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8). As we have learned, riches of this world are not to be desired over the things of God.

    “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).The word deviseth means “the activity of thinking, creating new ideas” and directeth means “confidence that God will direct our paths”. It can be quite easy to make grand plans for one’s life. However, Christians are to understand with confidence that God will direct our paths.

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Be encouraged to recognize that even when it seems right to us, if it isn’t what God has taught (according to Scripture), the end is death.

    “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Learning to control one’s anger (one’s spirit) is very important, more important than conquering a great city.

    These are only a few of the great and wise words found within the book of Proverbs. Christians would be wise to read and follow the wisdom Solomon recorded for us to know. Remember that it is a personal choice – to seek wisdom or to become a fool. We would be wise to not only read, but to memorize the many words of wisdom found in God’s Word.

    Have you learned the importance of committing your life to the Lord understanding that it is only then that your thoughts will be established which will allow your path to be right before God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • A Confession and a Prayer

    “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

    John 5:39

    Agur wrote to his friends a confession. It soon turned into a prayer, one that recognized God. [Note: In brackets there are some definitions.] “1. The words of Agur … 2. Surely I am more brutish [stupid; foolish] than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge [knowledge gained through the senses] of the holy. 4. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? 5. Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7. Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8. Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Proverbs 30:1–9)

    Notice that he first recognized himself as a sinner (see verses 2–3). He does not know God.

    He then recognized that he needed a Savior (see verses 3–4). He acknowledged that he could not understand. Compare this with 1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” He did not know God, nor even His Son’s name. So he cried out, asking His name.

    Where did he go for his answers? (See verse 5 and remember Psalm 12:6: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”) He recognized the purity of God’s Word. All of God’s Word.

    However, Agur noted one must be careful to not add to or change what God’s Word says to fit one’s need (see verse 6).

    He then continued with a prayer for forgiveness, and provision (see verses 7-9). (Also remember the Lord’s Prayer most people have learned that is found in Matthew 6:9–13. Especially note verses 11–13a: “11.Give us this day our daily bread. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil …”). The man who was writing these verses in Proverbs wanted God to forgive him from the sin he now recognized. He then wanted God to only give him what he needed, so he would acknowledge that it came from God. Too much, and he would claim the glory himself, and with too little he would break God’s commands by stealing. This man’s heart sought to please God earnestly.

    Just as Agur (in Proverbs 30) realized he was a sinful man and acknowledged that he needed God’s forgiveness by knowing His Son (Jesus Christ), each person must come to that point in his or her own heart and life. A decision must be made. After choosing God’s forgiveness (becoming a Christian), one should do as Agur did. Agur chose “every word of God” for it is pure.

    What will you choose?

    Christians should choose the wisdom found in God’s Word – and live it out in our lives thereby pleasing God. God’s wisdom is important to those who belong to Him. Read the following list of verses to help us remember the importance of not only reading, but studying the Word of God. We then must apply those truths to our lives.

    “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Without searching the Scriptures, one cannot understand the need for salvation only found by trusting in Jesus (see 2 Timothy 3:15 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). It is more than uttering a simple prayer – it is a life change to trust in Jesus.

    “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). Diligently read the Bible, searching out the truths found therein.

    “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). When one does not understand what is going on in life, seek God’s way. He knows all.

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The more time a Christian will take to read and study God’s Word (the Bible), the more that one will understand God’s Word and know how to apply it to that life.

    These are just a few of many verses that encourage Christians to read and know God’s Word.

    Have you recognized the importance of knowing God’s wisdom found only in His Word?

  • The Wise Live by God’s Wisdom

    “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

    James 3:13

    The book of Proverbs was mostly written by the wisest man, King Solomon. His wisdom came directly from God (see 1 Kings 3:5-15). Remember what God specifically told Solomon. “4. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 5. Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 9:4-5).

    God gave Solomon great wisdom, and He expected Solomon to walk before Him in that wisdom. One of the most memorable recollections of this wisdom, is when the two women came before King Solomon, wanting him to resolve the issue of the baby (see 2 Kings 3:16-28). After Solomon’s judgment, “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment” (1 Kings 3:28). It did not take long for news of Solomon’s wisdom from God to travel abroad. “And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34).

    We partially understand the volume of Solomon’s wisdom. “And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five” (1 Kings 4:32). Yet with all of the wise words Solomon knew, spoke and wrote for all generations to read, he was a foolish man. Solomon knew the wisdom of God, yet he lived as a foolish man.

    King Solomon had many wives but only one son, Rehoboam. Rehoboam became a foolish king. His father, Solomon, had given him much instruction and even wrote most of the book of Proverbs to teach him how to be wise. The phrase “my son” is found twenty-three times in the book of Proverbs. Remember how the book begins. “1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4. To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:1-7). We now understand the purpose of this book.

    What was Rehoboam to do? “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8).

    Have you ever considered the fatal flaw in Solomon and Rehoboam’s situation? King Solomon told his son all of the things he needed to know in order to be a wise man who would become the king of God’s people, Israel. Yet, King Solomon did not live out the principles in his life that he taught his son. When reading about Solomon and his kingdom, he did not lead God’s people wisely. King Solomon was much like a slave driver to God’s people, whereas his father, David, was more like a shepherd who led Israel. That became evident when Rehoboam took over the kingdom at his father’s death. “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee” (1 Kings 12:4). Solomon had made a critical mistake as he ruled God’s people. He spoke God’s wisdom, but he did not live by God’s wisdom.

    What can one learn from King Solomon’s mistake?

    There is a famous saying that most people have heard: “Actions speak louder than words.” Understanding how Rehoboam’s life turned out, one can fully recognize that he saw what his father did, and he ignored what his father taught him.

    Many parents today do the same thing with their children. Most want their children to live a better life than they did, so they try to teach them good things. Often they teach them biblical principles by which to live. However, if the parents do not live by those biblical principles and instead do what they tell their children not to do, what do you think the children are going to do? Listen to what their parents say? Or do what their parents do? “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Christians must live a lifestyle (conversation) revealing God’s wisdom in their lives.

    There is another famous saying: “What a parent does in moderation, the child will do in excess.” Have you ever considered that your behavior in front of your children speaks louder than your words? In the case of Solomon and Rehoboam, it appears that Solomon’s actions spoke much louder than his words.

    Rehoboam will forever be known as the foolish king whose kingdom was divided.

    Have you chosen to tell your children the biblical principles by which they are to live?

    Or,

    Have you chosen to also live by biblical principles before your children and others?

  • An Example to Follow

    “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    Proverbs 14:12

    Why do we not see a great revival in our day?

    There is a great revival recorded in the Bible (see 2 Kings 22 – 23:28 and 2 Chronicles 34-35).

    Notice what we see about young King Josiah in Second Chronicles. “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images” (2 Chronicles 34:3). While Josiah was yet young, he began to seek after God, and then he began to purge the land of the false gods and religious practices. Read what this entailed: “3. … he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. 4. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. 5. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6. And so did he in the cities …” (2 Chronicles 34:3-6). Not only did he break the idols and groves down, but he also broke them in pieces “and made dust of them.” They were utterly destroyed. Especially recognize that those things had to be eliminated (purged from the land). This is very important because the land had to be purged before reformations could begin.

    While working on repairing the Temple, they found the book of the Law. Shaphan, the scribe, returned to the king and told him what the high priest had found. “… And Shaphan read it before the king” (2 Kings 22:10). What did the king do? “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11). Read what King Josiah understood once he heard the words of the book of the Law, “… for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kings 22:13b). The king recognized just how far from God the nation was living. He not only sought God, but he acknowledged the sin of this people and even their father’s before them. 

    King Josiah was a good king. Not only did he remove the wicked things from the land, but he also humbled himself before God when he heard the Law read. Although Josiah led one final revival in Judah, where the people sought God, they had forsaken God long enough that there was only room for discipline. God saw the people living in a continual state of wickedness. We can read of God’s longsuffering and extension of Judah’s kingdom because of King Josiah’s repentance and reforms (see 2 Kings 22:11-20). One thing significant thing we should understand is the importance of reading God’s Word. Once King Josiah heard God’s Word read, he understood and knew what God had expected from His people – and just how far they had fallen short.

    We should also recognize that that time of renewal was not enough – for as soon as King Josiah died, the people reverted back to their idolatrous practices. See one important thing that they had forgotten: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). When the people chose to do what they wanted over faithfully obeying God’s commands, they lost their kingdom, riches, land, and many people died (Babylon besieged them and took many captive).

    Now what should we learn from this example?

    It was good for Josiah to seek God early in his life. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Just as Josiah removed and eliminated all of the old ways of their lives, utterly destroying them, understand what each person is to do once they have trusted in Christ: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians must remove all of the ways of their life before Christ and begin anew. It is very important to read the Bible. Reading God’s Word will bring that same repentance in our hearts and lives today. We too, must do as King Josiah did – depart from evil and do what is right.

    Until we go back and read God’s Word, recognizing just how far from God our nation has gone, we will never understand what must be done to correct our problems. There has been no such time of national repentance (as in the days of King Josiah) in many years. Instead, the wickedness has become engrained in our society. Because of this, we should expect God’s judgment to fall upon us at any time.

    Have you prayed that you would be faithful to read God’s Word learning to depart from evil and choose to do what is right?

  • Receive the Instruction of Wisdom

    “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
    Proverbs 1:7

    Wisdom is the major theme of the book of Proverbs and King Solomon wrote much of it. If you remember, shortly after Solomon became king, God came to him in a dream. “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee” (I Kings 3:5). Solomon understood the great things God had done for his father, King David, because he had followed after God. See what King Solomon asked of God: “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9). This pleased God. Because King Solomon asked for such a good thing (discernment that comes from wisdom), God gave King Solomon great wisdom. He also blessed King Solomon with great wealth and fame.

    The book of Proverbs deals with much of this great wisdom from God. We understand this from the first verses of the book of Proverbs: “1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity” (Proverbs 1:1-3). Read how a wise man is described. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).

    The key verse to understanding the book of Proverbs is Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Solomon wrote much of this book with his only son on his heart and mind. He wanted his son, Rehoboam, to understand the importance of wisdom, and the first thing he had to know and understand was the fear of the Lord. Fear is not what most people think it is. Fear is not necessarily being afraid of the Lord, but it is acknowledging just who He is and who we are in comparison to Him (a reverence of God). Once one has the correct fear of God (understanding who he is), then one can begin to obtain wisdom that leads to understanding what He expects of His people

    Wisdom is more than having knowledge. Wisdom is the discernment in understanding how to use that knowledge correctly; choosing right over wrong; discern between what is true and false; being discreet in the application of knowledge. King Solomon wanted his son to acquire wisdom to help him understand how to make right decisions in his activities of daily life. Solomon did not want his son to be a fool and despise wisdom and instruction. However, in order for Rehobom to acquire the right wisdom, King Solomon said he had to hear his instruction from God’s Word. (This is understood even better as the book of Proverbs is read.) Solomon wanted his son to understand that it all began with a right relationship with God. If one doesn’t have that, one cannot obtain wisdom from God. One is to understand (from God’s point of view found in His Word) what the right thing to do in a situation is. Christians who obtain the wisdom found in God’s Word will have the ability to face life understanding what God wants them to do in order to live a life pleasing to Him.  

    Have you chosen to be a fool, despising God’s wisdom and instruction?

    Or have you chosen the wisdom of God?

  • Ponder thy Path

    “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
    (Proverbs 4:26-27)

    Solomon was a very wise man. When King Solomon asked God to give him an understanding heart to judge God’s people, God gave him great wisdom. “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.” (1 Kings 3:12). Notice that God said there was no one wiser before or after King Solomon. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs were a thousand and five (see 1 Kings 4:32). Although King Solomon did many foolish things in his kingdom, he recorded many wise words that are relevant even today.

    The book of Proverbs tells us some of wise words from King Solomon. Note that this book is for anyone who wants to know wisdom and instruction that Solomon learned from God (Proverbs 1:2). The introduction to this book is amazing! (See Proverbs 1:1-6.) It very plainly tells of its importance. However, it also tells the response from God to those who reject these words of wisdom. When the rejection of God’s Word is played out in one’s life and calamity comes, God will not be there to help (see Proverbs 1:20-27). Worse yet, God said, “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me” (Proverbs 1:28). What a truly scary thought! Compare this to another Proverb recorded. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Can you see the difference?

    Why would God respond in such a way? Continue reading, “29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:29-31). Now do you see whose fault it is? Trouble that comes into one’s life for hating God’s knowledge and His counsel is always the fault of the one who chooses to disregard God’s Word. We should never choose our path in life over what God wants for our life. Chapter 1 ends with an encouraging word to help one understand this. “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33). What comforting words! Hearing from and listening to God is most important. After we learn to do that, we know what to do and where to go, and we will dwell safely. This is what one must consider as we read another Proverb King Solomon recorded for our instruction. “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:26-27). Walk straight in the path God has placed before you, not turning to the right nor to the left.

    Jesus later told the people, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). Only God’s Word can lead you to life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (see John 14:6).

    Have you pondered the path of your feet?

    Where is that path leading you?

  • Seek God Early

    The most important thing a human being can do is to seek after God. God loved the world so much that he gave His only Son to die upon the cross – just so we could have a relationship with Him! All we must do is to love Him enough to seek after Him. (Read Romans 10:8-13 to see what to do when you find Him.) Proverbs 8:17 tells us that God loves those who love Him. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me”(Proverbs 8:17). It also says that those who seek him early will find Him. But did you notice the word “early” in that verse? The word “early” means be up early at any task with the implication of earnestness and by extension to search for painstakingly. One must earnestly seek God early. The best time is to seek God first thing each morning. Not only will you not run out of time during the day to spend with Him, but the course of your day will be better set by seeking Him early.

    It is not only important to seek God early in each day, but early in one’s life. The earlier a child (or even a young person) begins to seek after God, the easier it will be for them to find Him. The older a person gets, the less likely they will find it important enough to seek after God. There are many excuses; too many to even try to list. But the longer one waits in their life, the less likely they will even try to seek earnestly after God.

    But there is so much more than just this one verse. What happens when one loves God and chooses to seek Him early – finding Him? Read what God says in the verses that follow that one: “18. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures” (Proverbs 8:18-21). God has all of the riches, righteousness, and fruit (reward) better than gold or silver. God leads into the paths of righteousness, causing those that love Him to inherit substance. Our treasures will be filled by God, Himself! What better life could one hope to have?

    But it all begins with loving God enough to seek after him diligently.

    Things in this life should never keep us from seeking God or the things of God.

    Have you sought after God?

  • Keep Your Heart

    “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

    The following definitions might help you understand this verse a little better:

    • keep:  guard; protect; preserve
    • heart:  the center; the totality of man’s inner nature; the place where wisdom and understanding reside

    There is so much going on in the world today – good and evil. With all the many choices of things to see and do, things to take our time, we are to be very careful of what we allow into our hearts and lives. We should not only protect our hearts, but be aware of the kind of wisdom that we allow into our hearts. Why? That is the source for the kind of life we live; the kind of person we become.

    The first and most important thing a person should have in their heart is Jesus. How can Jesus be in one’s heart? Remember the time we can read of in Mark where people brought their young children to Jesus. “13. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16). Rebuked means to rebuke without bringing any conviction of any fault. When the disciples kept the children from Jesus, they did not mean anything, except to keep the children away from Jesus. But, Jesus was displeased. Suffer means allow to pass. Jesus told people to bring the children to Him. He then wanted the people to receive (receive means to accept an offer deliberately and readily) the kingdom of God.

    Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come, “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). The words not with observation means you cannot see it with human eyes. Jesus went on to say, “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means it is located in your heart and affections; not external. That is one reason we refer to being saved as “asking Jesus into your heart.” You cannot see it with your eyes. The gospel message is very simple – one must just believe – just as a child. To children, things are simpler, less convoluted. In other words, simply believe and receive without question – just like a child. Remember also what Paul later wrote. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17a).

    Remember how simple it is to become a Christian. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

    Be encouraged to consider your heart as the place a special treasure is kept – a place to be well guarded. Once Jesus is there, it would also be good to understand the importance of placing God’s Word into your heart (see Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”). It would be so much easier to make wise decisions if we would only take time to hide God’s Word in our hearts.

    “… whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

    Have you considered what you have allowed into your heart?

  • Lesson 9 (Lesson 48): Proverbs 25-31: Wisdom Revealed

    Key Verse

    “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever made plans to start something tomorrow (i.e.: start a new book, work on homework later in the weekend – instead of Friday, quit eating too much candy and eat better, be nice to someone – later, read their Bible, tell someone about Jesus, etc.).  It is very easy to put something off until tomorrow.  We have no idea what tomorrow may hold.  Usually, it is nothing like we had planned for it to be.  Read today’s memory verse together.  Remind them of the important words of wisdom we have been learning.  How many have actually begun to put into practice some of the things we have learned?  Remember the old saying, “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”  Help them understand this is kind of what today’s memory verse is saying.  How can we plan tomorrow when we don’t know what tomorrow may bring?  We will see wisdom revealed in our lesson today as some, who implemented these truths, found they were very real – and important.

    Summary:  Today we will finish the third Personal book, Proverbs.  We have been learning that it is not only important to know the words of wisdom recorded in this book, but we must learn to live a life applying that wisdom.  Then we will be able to live a life that pleases God.  We learned it is important to live that way early in life.  Last week we saw a listing comparing wisdom to foolishness, wise to unwise, right and wrong, and even good and evil. Remember that these words were written to help us live our daily lives wisely.

    We have read many wise things.  This week we will see what happens when these words of wisdom are revealed when applied to lives.  It affects our relationship with other people.  These words cause us to recognize we are a sinful people who need God, and His forgiveness.  The conclusion of this book shows the importance of a virtuous woman.  It helps us understand the pivotal role a woman plays in each home.

    Continue to encourage your students to not only memorize these words of wisdom, but to apply these truths to their lives.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  To learn the words of wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs.  Recognize they are words that define a person’s nature – either one who seeks wisdom; or a fool.  Make them personal words of encouragement from wise men, Solomon and others, who wanted others to learn just what wisdom is – and how to get it.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 48 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 48 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson we made a scroll using paper and dowel rods.  Some students wrote a few verses from Proverbs we talked about in the lesson in their scrolls.  I also had some verses available to glue into the scroll for those who couldn’t write as well or as quickly as others.  Encourage them to begin memorizing some of these verses!

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

  • Lesson 8 (Lesson 47): Proverbs 10-24: Wisdom is Necessary

    Key Verse

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”  Proverbs 12:15

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever known someone who did something wrong (or just plain stupid) on purpose? (i.e.: eat a worm, jump from the top of something dangerously high, hit someone back, sneak gum in school, copy someone else’s homework, etc.).  Did it really hurt them at the time? (Probably not.)  That person thought it was OK at the time, “right in their own eyes.”  But, just because it seems OK, that doesn’t make it right.  We see in this verse that someone like that is called a “fool” (means:  silly; perverted; foolish) because they are setting a course for their life (way) that is not right according to God’s Word.  But, notice that one who “hearkeneth” (means:  to perceive a message; or hear with attention or obedience) to “counsel” (means:  advice or wisdom) is “wise” (means:  intelligent or clever).

    Summary:  Today we begin our second lesson in the book of Proverbs.  We continue learning the importance of God’s Word by searching Proverbs, the third Personal book for more words of wisdom.  Remember that the wisest man, Solomon (whose wisdom was a gift from God – I Kings 3:12), wrote many of these words.  We must learn the importance of practicing the practical portions of the right way to live a life of wisdom that pleases God.  We found last week that we must begin to live that way early in life.

    Proverbs is a listing comparing wisdom to foolishness, wise to unwise, right and wrong, and even good and evil.  Since it appears to have no organized thought pattern, just continual words of wisdom, we will look at some individual comparisons.

    As we learned last week, many of the words of wisdom found in Proverbs were written from a loving father as a warning to his only son.  These words are important truths to be learned.  We should encourage our students to not only memorize these pearls of wisdom, but apply these truths to their lives.  Remember that these words were written to help us live our daily lives wisely.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Teach your students the necessity of wisdom.  God gave us the words of the Proverbs to help us see the difference between the “foolish” and the “wise.”  Encourage them to learn to be wise, not in the wisdom of the world, but in the wisdom God’s Word teaches us.  Help them see the importance of keeping their lives right (living upright and perfect – as Job, Noah, etc.) before God.  Remind them that it begins at home by listening to the wise words of their parents who love them – just as God loves His people.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 47 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 47 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I had journals for them to put together.  We put stickers of a castle, a shield with swords, and a crown (since King Solomon wrote Proverbs) on the front.  We also put a sticker with a verse (Psalm 86:11) on the front.  Inside we glued some preprinted verses from Proverbs.  We also took time to write a few more verses from Proverbs as we looked at that book over the next couple of weeks. I encouraged them to read Proverbs and continue writing verses in their journals that spoke to them as they read.  One of the best ways to remember averse is to write it down!

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.