Daily Bible Devotionals

“I have seen the task God has given humanity to keep us occupied.  He has made everything suited to its time; also, He has given human beings awareness of eternity, but in such a way that they can’t fully comprehend, from beginning to end, the things He does.  Know that there is nothing better for them to do than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live.  Still, the fact that everyone can eat and drink and enjoy the good that results from all his work is a gift from God.  I know that whatever God does will last forever; there is nothing to add or subtract from it; and God has done it so that people will fear Him.”  Ecclesiastes 3:10-14 (CJB)

Humanity is a collection of people under grace.  That is not to say that everyone on earth follows Jesus and is saved.  I am simply saying that whenever sinful people are in clear view of the all-seeing Holy God, it is only by His grace and mercy that they remain un-judged and alive.  Solomon knew this quite well.  In today’s passage, he observed the simple fact that a person can “eat and drink and enjoy the good results from all his work” is due to God’s grace, His gift to both believer and unbeliever.

So, why is God so gracious?  Why does He delay judgment on the earth?  Because He wants people to choose Him, to believe in Him, or as the Bible puts it: to FEAR Him.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

And what, exactly, does it mean to “fear” God?  It means to honor, respect, worship, and revere Him.  Much more than the everyday pedestrian “respect” we may give another person, to “fear” the Lord is to acknowledge that He is the Creator and we are creatures; He is Lord, and we are slaves.  His Way is the only way, and any course corrections we might make in order to deviate from His way would be errant and never lead us to a right relationship with Him.  Fearing God is foundational to our salvation, joy, and success.

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

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”  Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)

Fearing the Lord carries the attitude which proclaims, “This may not feel right, but because I trust God and believe His Word, I will live according to His instruction and in the hope of His promises, given to all who faithfully follow Him.”  In fact, today’s passage claims that mankind cannot fully comprehend eternity; therefore, to fear God is also to faithfully admit that eternity lies in His hands.  His alone is the power to eternally save or destroy.  Yet, He chooses to extend forgiveness.  Will you choose Him?

“There is nothing better for a man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work.  I have seen even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from Him?  For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give the one who is pleasing in God’s sight.  This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (HCSB)

“If your only goal is to become rich, you will never achieve it.” - John D. Rockefeller

Surely, there must be more to life than the acquisition of stuff.  Yet, “just a little more” seems to be the mantra of American culture.  Greed and gluttony are most certainly at the epicenter of our nation’s current financial dilemma.

It’s not hard to find a rich man, but have you ever found a satisfied one?  Rock stars and actors are among the most depressed people around.  You see, the more we acquire, the less the “emptiness” is satisfied.  Contented men and women are surely rare these days.  

I am reminded of the story of a simple Mexican fisherman.  One day, the Mexican was fishing on the river’s shore, minding his own affairs, when a vacationing American businessman approached him.  “Sir,” the American asserted, “I have been watching you from down the river.  During that time, you have caught five fish for every one I have caught; and all your fish are twice the size of mine.  What is your secret?”

“Señior,” the Mexican replied, “I have been fishing here my whole life.  I know all the places the fish swim throughout the day.”

Impressed, the American hired the Mexican to take him fishing for the day, and it turned out better than he had imagined.  Afterwards, the American paid his guide well and asked the Mexican about his life.

Shyly, the Mexican told his new amigo he had a simple life; he woke up in the morning and caught a few fish.  He kept enough to eat, and the few he had left, he sold in the market.  Afterwards, he went home and enjoyed a siesta with his wife.  In the evenings, he would stroll to the village square, drink wine and play guitar with his friends.

“What a tremendous wasted opportunity,” the American exclaimed.  “Did you know that you could make a lot of money guiding fishing trips?  And with that money, you could buy a boat and eventually a fleet of fishing vessels.  Then, you could open a cannery and export the fish you haul in all over the world!  You could become very rich.”

“What would I do then?” asked the Mexican.

Proudly, the American retorted, “Well, then you could retire and make your own rules.  You could wake up in the morning, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife, and in the evenings, drink wine and play guitar with your friends at the village square…” Be content.

“The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. ‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’ What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun? One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth abides forever.” Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 (NKJV)

It is important for people to believe their lives have purpose and that the energy spent working toward that purpose makes a difference in the world.  We don’t necessarily need to drastically change the world.  We can typically find happiness in knowing that our lives are making a positive impact in some aspect of it.  Or, perhaps, we simply need to know that we matter to someone and that our presence on earth brings someone joy.  That question about “what profit has a man from all his labor” was something King Solomon wrestled with.  Through Solomon’s life example in Scripture (and his own words today), we learn that it is quite possible to become extremely successful and recognized and respected by throngs of people yet feel completely empty and purposeless.  This was not just a personal journal thought of Solomon’s that we discovered under his pillow after he died.  Solomon included this message in Psalm 12, a song of Ascents.  That meant that when the Israelites were ascending to worship the Lord at the temple in Jerusalem, Solomon wanted them to deeply consider and contrast their labor in the world with their labor for the Lord.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:1-5 (NKJV)

Messiah Jesus expanded on these exact same passages to underscore the utmost importance of denying the vanity of temporary, flesh-pleasing, worldly pursuit in favor of the eternal value of temporary persecution involved in Kingdom-building.

“When he had called the people to Himself, with his disciples also, he said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38 (NKJV)

Vanity is investing in an earthly kingdom which leads to hell and hinders the next generation.  Godliness is laboring for the gospel and ensuring our kids do, as well!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Proverbs 31. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel - to Ithiel and Ucal: Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know? Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:1-6 (NKJV)

Nobody really knows who Agur, son of Jakeh is.  Neither Agur, his father, nor his sons Ithiel and Ucal are mentioned anywhere else in Scripture.  Some scholars speculate that Agur is a nickname for Solomon, but that does not explain his father and children.  Other scholars think he was a Gentile, living between Judea and Babylon, but that does not explain how his wisdom was included in the Jewish proverbs, which point to God’s revelation as the only true source of Wisdom.  Finally, other scholars think he was an allegorical character with his name loosely translated in Hebrew as “the one who first gathered maxims together," his father’s name meaning "despised," and his son's names understood to mean “I am weary” and “I am exhausted.”  Less important than who Agur was, is what he said.

His words seem to mirror Job’s, which point to God (specifically, the Godhead Person of Messiah – Jesus) as the creator of heaven and earth. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-14) “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7 (NKJV)

“And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” John 17:5 (NKJV)

We understand Agur grasped the idea of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”) because he learned God’s Word from his father, and Biblical values were passed down for four generations.  That is because they not only taught the Word, but he did not add to it!  (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32)  Let the same be said of us!  Walk in the Word, not turning right or left!

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-20 (NKJV)

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.  A slave will not be instructed by words alone; for though he understands, there will be no response.” Proverbs 29:18-19 (NASB)

I have spent all my adult life in the music business and in local church music ministry.  As a touring recording artist, I have partnered with over 1000 local churches’ efforts in all 50 US states to share the gospel and encourage believers.  There is a very close relationship between music and preaching, which is evident throughout the Bible.  Martin Luther said that music is “the handmaiden of theology.”  Music serves theology.  Music is the soundtrack for vision (proclamation of God’s Word).  When the music and vision are in sync, it makes the transition from pedestrian life to corporate worship effortless.  But it doesn’t matter how good the music is when the vision is off.  Things just never come together, and the congregation is left with less than they hoped for, less than it could have been.

I have heard today’s verse preached from the perspective of a pastor’s vision for a church, for a building program, a small group effort, or perhaps, a way to reach young people.  While that is true from an operational standpoint, this proverb is not speaking of a pastor’s vision but God’s vision as revealed in His Word, the Bible.  Lack of vision (in Proverbs 29:18-19) is contrasted with keeping the Law.  So, the presence of vision means aligning oneself with the Word of God.  God is saying that whenever people depart from His Word and seek to do ministry for Him, yet apart from His articulated way to worship Him, it always ends badly. And we see that throughout the Bible.  

Consider the days when Samuel was called by God:  “Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the WORD OF THE LORD WAS RARE (my emphasis) in those days; there was no widespread revelation.  And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, ‘Here I am!’” 1 Samuel 3:1-4 (NKJV)

Consider the generation after Joshua: “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who DID NOT KNOW THE LORD, NOR THE WORK WHICH HE HAD DONE (my emphasis) for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. They FORSOOK THE LORD (my emphasis) and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.” Judges 2:10-13 (NKJV)

Indeed, we are a generation that lacks vision…in our nation and in our churches.  We’re reading the Bible to align our values with God’s vision. The seeds of REVIVAL!

“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.” Proverbs 28:4-5 (NKJV)

As we are rounding third base and heading toward home plate, here in the Book of Proverbs, we should be thinking about what the big takeaway lesson is.  Sure, there are hundreds of micro lessons and practical perspectives we can apply to fortify our faithfulness and situational wisdom, but the overall plea of the Book of Proverbs is for our life’s posture to reflect that we are God’s people and that we seek His Word (the Bible) in order to live according to it.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

We must remember that the Hebrew word that translates as “Law” is “Torah.”  And Torah means “teaching” in Hebrew.  God is not calling us to a life of prideful legalism.  He is telling us the way of abundant life can only be found when we submit to His teaching, as articulated in the Bible.  If we seek the Lord in His Word, He will be faithful to reveal the truth of Scripture.  By the revelation of God’s Spirit (given to all believers), we will be able to understand (from the Bible) how to live a life that pleases Him, even in the midst of great opposition.  God loves us that much!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 (NKJV)

Foolish men forsake God’s teaching, either ignoring it or flat-out rejecting it.  God calls fools “evil men”: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.” Proverbs 8:13-14 (NKJV)

The only way to transition from foolishness to wisdom is to receive the Living Word, Messiah Jesus.  When you cross that line of faith, He gives you His Holy Spirit, Who reveals the Bible in a practical way: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)

“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; you shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.” Proverbs 27:23-27 (NKJV)

There are two types of shepherds in the church.  First, there are those who truly care for the well-being of the sheep.  By doing so, they will forever have wool for their clothing and milk to drink.  Then, there are those shepherds (let's call them “baaaa-d” shepherds) who only see the sheep as a source of leather and mutton.  They do not care about the sheep.  Bad shepherds only care about themselves.  It won’t be long before their flock is completely diminished.  Now, consider what God’s Word has to say about Good and Bad shepherds, and choose which one you will be.  

“‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: ‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the Lord. ‘But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.  I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,’ says the Lord. ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.  In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’” Jeremiah 23:1-6 (NKJV)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:11-18 (NKJV)

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. ’Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”  John 21:17 (NKJV)

“As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools. Like one who binds a stone in a sling is he who gives honor to a fool. Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools. The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:1-12 (NKJV)

Today’s proverb deals primarily with fools; the extent to which we can trust them, and how we should deal with foolish behavior.  So, it is important that we Biblically address exactly what a fool is.  A fool is not necessarily a person who lacks superior intellect.  Many of the world’s most educated people are foolish.  A fool is not a person who makes mistakes.  Even the most righteous among us make mistakes from time to time.  People who are funny or silly are not necessarily foolish.  No, a fool is someone who is not wise.  In fact, foolishness is the opposite of wisdom.  So, let’s see how the Bible defines wisdom and work backwards.  

Wise people fear the Lord and obey His Word: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)

Fearing the Lord means hating evil. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.” Proverbs 8:13-15 (NKJV)

A wise person learns to hate evil by searching the Bible (Godly counsel) and fears the Lord by believing His Word to the extent that they live faithfully according to it.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

So, a fool denies (or ignores) God’s Word. Therefore, they do not fear the Lord.  Ergo, fools love evil; maybe not to the extent of mass-murdering evil, but any counsel other than God’s Word is evil. Fools are dangerous, must be avoided and weeded out because unchecked evil always leads to some manner of death.

“These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; for it is better that he say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.” Proverbs 25:1-7 (NKJV)

It is better to be summoned by the king than to be asked to step aside for one more worthy.  Today’s passage is from a collection of King Solomon’s proverbs, so we get a rare insight into the relationship between sanctification and promotion from a king’s perspective.  This is not a pedestrian’s theory about how to impress a king.  It is from a king telling you how kingdoms work at the highest level.  And the wisdom is scalable, meaning that it works on both national and personal levels.  

First and foremost, there is personal sanctification (setting oneself apart), the “putting-off of dross.”

“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, Who also will do it”.  1 Thessalonians 5:21-24 (NKJV)  (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Personal holiness precedes promotion.  It is fairly easy to develop a reputation of righteousness to fool the common man.  But God sees beyond your reputation (the part of your life that everyone can see) and looks deeper into your character (who you really are down deep).  You can’t fool Jesus by simply claiming He is your Lord. If He truly is your Lord, then you must surrender to His Lordship!

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)

“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:11-12 (NKJV)

We should not brag to the Lord, “Look what I did!”  Rather, surrender to His lordship and earnestly (yet humbly) seek His great, “Well done…”   (Matthew 25:21-23)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Proverbs 24. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverb 23:4-5 (NKJV)

In Newport Beach, California, there is a shopping mall called Fashion Island.  It was one of my favorite places to frequent when I lived in Southern California.  Everything about the mall was perfect, from the high-end boutique shopping and restaurant options to their landscaping, koi pond and the posh movie theater with the wide leather recliners. But my favorite thing about Fashion Island was how they would valet a long line of high-end sports cars right in front of Canaletto Ristorante Veneto.  When I say “high-end,” I’m not talking about Mercedes, Porsche, or BMW…the high-end autos of Middle America.  I am talking about supercars: McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Maserati; cars you only read about in magazines.  And there they would be, just sitting in the sun, driven by the elite, men who have no problem spending $500,000 + on a car.

I recall slowly walking past the valet line with a friend from Newport Beach, marveling at these feats of automotive engineering, when I mumbled the age-old question, “What do these people do that they can afford these? And why can’t I do THAT for a living?”  My friend, who is by no means poor, answered, “Don’t be fooled. These guys are all just one bad business deal or market downturn from losing it all.”  Some folks simply do not feel alive unless they are living on the edge.  And the only folks who know where the edge is, are those who have gone over it!  While the supercar valet line is never-ending, the group of guys driving up and tossing their keys to the valet is ever-changing.  That is EXACTLY the point of today’s passage from Proverbs 23.  If you put your trust and security in riches, beware. Riches have a tendency to fly away and leave you completely financially and spiritually bankrupt in the process. No, we cannot rely on riches or the obsessive pursuit thereof to fill the emptiness inside.  Only Messiah Jesus can do that!  

Focusing on building our earthly “kingdoms” takes our focus off God and the tasks He has set apart for us within His Kingdom. When people seek God, they typically entreat Him for what He can do for them.  Seldom do we consider what He requires of us in His plan for our lives!  Any plan other than God’s plan is destined to fail.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it… ” Psalm 127:1a (NKJV)

“Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches - feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”  Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV)

“Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, so that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?” Proverbs 22:17-21 (NKJV)

It is the father’s duty to impart Biblical values to his children, so they would imitate him and allow God’s Word to guide every aspect of their lives: all day, every day.

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NKJV)

Not only should our pursuit of God’s Word (and the application of it) be for our personal worship, but also so that we may be prepared to “answer words of truth to those who send to you.” (Proverbs 22:21)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NKJV)

If we make obedience to God’s Word our highest priority, our children will too.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

Often interpreted that children will depart from Biblical values during their teenage years, yet return when they are older, Proverbs 22:6 is actually saying that children who properly learn Biblical values will continue in them, even into their old age.

“But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites - from the nations of whom the Lord had said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.’ Solomon clung to these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.  For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as did his father David.” 1 Kings 11:1-6 (NKJV)

“A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly.” Proverbs 21:28 (NKJV)

There have always been false teachers, people who claim to speak on behalf of God yet preach ideas that contradict God’s Word and character.  Jeremiah dealt with them.

“For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.  For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:8-9 (NKJV)

Jesus dealt with them.

“‘Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.  Hypocrites!  Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”’ When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, ‘Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.’ Then His disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone.  They are blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.’” Matthew 15:6b-14 (NKJV)

The early church dealt with them and predicted they would increase in the last days.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)

What is destructive about false teaching is that heresy spreads like pigment in a can of white paint.  It cannot be un-stirred and must be completely thrown out.  Long after the false teacher is gone, the “man who hears him” continues to apply the false theology, thus teaching it to a new generation.  Heresy gets passed down as Biblical truth and affects future generations to the extent that they believe the actual truth as a lie, to the point of mocking and persecuting Bible-believing Christians. (Psalm1:1-3)

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)

“A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV)

On July 4, 1776, the American colonies formally declared their independence from British rule.  Their letter of declaration contains a rather iconic statement: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…”  The ideas of personal independence and the freedom to pursue whatever makes us happy are deeply embedded into the value system of most American citizens, even to this day.  But is that notion Biblical?  While God’s Name (their Creator) is used, and it is undeniable that every human deserves a fair shot, are we truly free to do whatever we want?  In short, no.  We are free to choose, but we do not have the right to choose wrongly.  While our fellow citizens may say, “Live and let live!” God says, “Live for Me, and Me alone!”

God has a plan for each of our lives.  While we may believe we have the freedom to choose our own destiny, we are accountable to God for the choices we make.  He has created all mankind with both the intent and capacity to know Him in a saving way.  And for those of us who have surrendered our lives to His Lordship, He has a plan for you, a job in His Kingdom.  

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Many people (including many Christians) find that notion offensive.  They do resist a God to Whom we must be accountable.  They assume God is more like an all-loving genie who exists to fulfill our wishes.  Well, we may choose to go our own way, but God always brings us back to the place where we are forced to choose between our fleshly desires and His perfect plan for us.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

Just as Abraham faithfully chose to follow God’s call to follow Him “to the place where I will show you” (Genesis 12:1), we, too, must choose to follow God through Messiah Jesus.  As Abraham did, let Jesus lead you to the place He is preparing.  Do not resist His leading or question His character!  There is no other Way to heaven.

“‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.’”  Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:1-6 (NKJV)

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet. The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.” Proverbs 19:1-3 (NKJV)

Our generation values people who are successful more than ones who are not.  Today’s proverb touches on the differences between how people treat the rich and the poor.  The world exalts the rich and famous, but God looks deeper into a person’s soul.  Recall how the Lord instructed Samuel when he showed up at Jesse’s home to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king of Israel, replacing the people’s choice for King Saul.  

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; or man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

Even though a person may obtain celebrity or riches, they do not guarantee that person will be happy.  King Solomon wrote a whole book of the Bible (Ecclesiastes) about that very topic.  Even King Saul (who had the kingdom, power, money, and good looks) was tormented because he lacked a personal relationship with God.

“But the Spirit of the Lord [Yahweh] departed from Saul, and a distressing [evil] spirit from the Lord [Yahweh] troubled [tormented] him.” 1 Samuel 16:14 (NKJV)

It is not as though God is saying that there is any glory, strictly in being poor, per se.  There are many rich people who love the Lord and use their money to build God’s kingdom.  And there are many poor people who rebel against the Lord.  The whole point of distinguishing between the poor and the rich in today’s proverb is to address the deep cultural prejudice against a person simply because of their lack of resources.  Equally prejudiced is to ascribe value to a person merely because they are wealthy.  BOTH are sin because they judge the inner man (a person’s character) solely by observing the outer man.

“Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.” Proverbs 19:6-8 (NKJV)

The key to joy has nothing to do with riches. It has EVERYTHING to do with knowing God’s Word and obeying it.  Wisdom is to fear the Lord (i.e., Hate evil – Proverbs 8:13) to the point that we have understanding (depart from evil).    

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 (NKJV)

“A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20-21 (NKJV)

Today’s proverb focuses largely on various ways that our words are a reflection of who we are on the inside.  As children, we learned the schoolyard rhyme, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”  But that isn’t really true, is it?  Words can sometimes hurt more than fists because their damaging effects strike deeper into our sense of self-worth.  Jesus taught that very lesson.  

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 (NKJV)

Words can build up or tear down, so our highest priority should be that we know God’s Word to the extent that it controls our speech and actions.  Notice how Jesus (the Word made flesh - John 1:14) used the Bible to defend against Satan’s schemes.  Ever heard the saying, “You are what you eat”?  Well, Jesus consumed God’s Word as if it were food.  As a body draws nutrition from food, He drew it from the Bible.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.  Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:1-4 (NKJV)

Jesus saw it as His utmost priority to obey God’s commands in the Old Testament.  Thus He lived out Job’s faithful declaration.

“Every commandment which I command you today you must be careful to observe, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers. And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:1-3 (NKJV)

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:10-12 (NKJV)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Proverbs 17. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 16:20-25 (NKJV)

There are a dozen-or-so verses that seem to be bedrock foundations from which other Biblical ideas are weighed.  They make such undeniably straightforward declarations.  You may grow tired of my quoting them so frequently, but I assure you that my reminding you of these bedrock verses is not because I have not committed other verses to memory.  I am quoting them often because I want you to remember them!  It is not enough for us to read devotionals telling us what to think.  We must learn HOW to think.  I am not alone in my approach to learning.

“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NKJV)

That being said, we must take another look at Psalm 1.  

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Yes, I quote Psalm 1 often, especially here in the Proverbs, but it acts as a key that helps to unlock understanding so we can know WHY there are such distinguishing outcomes between those who heed God’s Word vs those trying to build their lives apart from God’s blueprint.  We either align with God or fight against Him!

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:1-3 (NKJV)

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33 (NJKJV)

“The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29 (NKJV)

If the Lord is far from the wicked yet hears the prayers of the righteous, we should probably explore how He defines “wicked” and “righteous”!  Let’s begin with those who are righteous; who are they, and how can we be counted among them?  The GOOD NEWS is that ANYONE who turns from his sin and receives eternal life through Jesus can be saved, i.e., considered righteous.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

So, Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of the world; does that make us all righteous?  Are there no “wicked” if Jesus has atoned for their sin?  Sadly, not everyone will receive salvation because not everyone will believe on His Name.

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:18-21 (NKJV)

Notice how Jesus said, “he who does not believe is CONDEMNED ALREADY.” (emphasis mine).  Everyone (before they receive salvation) is condemned; sinners from birth and considered wicked by God, according to His standard as articulated in the Bible.  That is the human dilemma!  How can sinful men commune with Holy God if He is far from the wicked?  How can He hear our prayers if we aren’t righteous?  When we turn from our sin and receive salvation by His Grace (paid for by Jesus’ righteous works, not our own: Ephesians 2:8-9), we become righteous.  (2 Corinthians 5:21) The last prayer of the wicked is the first prayer of the righteous!

“For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NKJV)

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27 (NKJV)

I sure love how the Bible defines itself! If we are to derive generationally-fortifying “strong confidence” from fearing the Lord (confidence that is a “fountain of life”), then God’s Word must clearly define what “fearing the Lord’ means.

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV)

Notice how hating evil (pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverse mouth) is the beginning of wisdom, and how our understanding is proportional to our knowledge of God.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)

That means God’s Word (and not ungodly counsel) must be the source of my knowledge and understanding of Him if I am to expect my wisdom and understanding to lead me toward the “fountain of life,” away from the “snares of death.”

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Praise God that His Word has the power to transform not only our lives but also the generations that follow us.  If we fear the Lord, teaching and modeling faith to our children, they will honor us by not departing from Him.  (Proverbs 22:6)  Their “place of refuge” will forever be defined by their “strong confidence” that His Word never fails. Even though difficult seasons arise, they remain faithful to our teaching.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16 (NKJV)

Hatred of evil (motivated by our knowledge of God’s Word as revealed by His Holy Spirit) turns us away from the snares of death, leading to the fountain of life.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17  (NKJV) (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:10)

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health. Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:12-16 (NKJV)

One of the greatest tricks of Satan is to get Christians to believe God has promised them something that He hasn’t.  Then all Satan has to do is sit around and wait for us to become despondent and blame God for not coming thru for us.  We literally get angry with God when, in fact, it is Satan who convinced us that God’s Word said otherwise.  Believe me, it happens to us all of the time.  It is how Satan tempted Eve, and he even tried to tempt Jesus (the Living Word of God) by distorting God’s Word.  Jesus resisted Satan by answering with the correct understanding of the Bible.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’ Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’ Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’ Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”  Matthew 4:1-11 (NKJV)

So, after we have chosen to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus and receive salvation, we still have a choice to make every day thereafter.  It is a choice between “hope deferred” and “desire accomplished,” the “fountain of life” and the “snares of death,” “God’s favor,” or the “hard way.”  And the deciding factor is whether you choose to seek God’s Word every day, meditate on it and allow it to govern every aspect of your life.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)  Salvation is not only about eternal life.  It is also about living abundantly and joyfully on this earth, despite fierce opposition.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV)

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:25-26 (NKJV)

Anxiety and depression are very common in our culture.  Anxiety is a sense of unease or fear about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.  If anxiety is prolonged, a loss of hope sets in and a sense of despondency or dejection presses down on a person’s psyche.  That is what psychologists call depression.  Long before Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis, or modern psychiatric therapy, God had already identified the conditions of anxiety and depression, along with their cure: His Word and Bible-based community.  If there were ever a New Testament example of today’s proverb, it would be the apostle Paul’s prison letter to the church in Philippi.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ [Messiah] Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 (NKJV)

Paul followed today’s proverb, even down to his community of godly friendships.

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”  Philippians 4:1-5 (NKJV)

By making God’s Word the compass that guides us all day, every day (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), we will know how to navigate life’s hardships.  And if we remain in Christian community, encouraging one another in our present circumstances, we will spur each other on, keeping our minds focused on the coming Kingdom.  It’s worth it!

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” Philippians 1:27-30 (NKJV)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner.” Proverbs 11:30-31 (NKJV)

One of the more prominent images in the Bible is that of “bearing fruit.”  Just as an apple tree is known for bearing apples and an orange tree produces oranges, so we are known for bearing fruit that represents the “vine” we are attached to.  Apple trees do not bear oranges, so believers should not bear the fruit of unrighteousness.  “By their fruits you will know them.” (Mathew 7:20)  Today’s proverb reminds us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) to know whether we are truly attached to Jesus, The True Vine.   Here are some New Testament passages that reinforce this statement from today’s proverb.  

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:7-12 (NKJV)

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:1-8 (NKJV)

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:12-15 (NKJV)