Proverbs 1:1-33

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, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion- 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse"- 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners. 20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: 22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. 23 Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil."

In chapter 1 of Proverbs we learn of the title of the book, and the general extent and design of Solomon's writings (vs. 1-6).  Next we have the first principle taught, which is the fear of the Lord, or devotion to God; which is the beginning of knowledge, though despised by fools (vs. 7).  Then we learn about obedience toward parents and the rewards that follow (vs. 8-9).  Next, Solomon gives a necessary caution against bad company (vs. 10-19).  The chapter concludes with a faithful and lively training on what wisdom is for the children of man, and the certain ruin for those who turn a deaf ear to those principles (vs. 20-33).

What stands out to me today is how the Book of Proverbs begins with a clear statement of its purpose?to impart wisdom for godly living.  It is clear that wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. Solomon is teaching us that the very foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord?to honor and respect God, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for our understanding of the world, our attitudes, and our actions.

It is also important to know that a proverb is a short, wise, easy-to-learn saying that calls a person to action. It doesn't argue about basic spiritual and moral beliefs; it assumes we already hold them. The book of Proverbs focuses on God?His character, works, and blessings?and it will tell how we can live in close relationship to Him.

If you want to be wise, the place to begin is in reverencing God and in trusting and obeying Him. What is more reasonable than that the creature should trust his Creator? On the other hand, what is more illogical than for a man to reject God's Word and to live by his own choices? The wise thing to do is to repent of one's sins, trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and then live for Him wholeheartedly and devotedly.

I pray that you would trust in God?He alone will make you wise.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 2:1-22

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. 10 When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, 12 To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, 13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; 15 Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths; 16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, 17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. 18 For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; 19 None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life- 20 So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. 21 For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; 22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

Chapter 2 of Proverbs gives the means by which one obtains wisdom and knowledge.  First we learn that if we would seek diligently wisdom and knowledge, we would obtain from God the wisdom and knowledge that is needed (vs. 1-9).  Next we learn the advantage of receiving wisdom from the Lord: It will preserve us from the snares of evil men and of evil women (vs. 10-19).  The chapter concludes with explaining the usefulness of true wisdom, that leads into the way of good men, who will be blessed and blameless, when the wicked will be destroyed (vs. 20-22).

What stands out to me today is that wisdom comes in two ways: it is a God-given gift and also the result of an active search. First and foremost we need to know that Wisdom's starting point is God and His revealed Word, the source of "knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). In that sense, wisdom is His gift to us. But He gives it only to those who earnestly seek it. But because God's wisdom is hidden from the rebellious and foolish, it takes effort to find it and use it. He teaches us how to think straight, how to evaluate, how to discern truth and error, and how to develop divine insight.

I would also like to bring out that people don't develop all aspects of wisdom at once. For example, some people have more insight than discretion; others have more knowledge than common sense. But we can pray for all aspects of wisdom and take the steps to develop them in our lives.

I pray that you would discover that true wisdom is God's and that He will guide you and reward your sincere and persistent search.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 3:1-35

My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes- keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety's sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.

In chapter 3 of Proverbs we learn that we must be regular to our responsibility to acknowledge the Lord because that is the way to be happy (vs. 1-4).  Then we must live a life of dependence upon God because that is the way to stay on a good course (vs. 5-6).  Next we must keep up the fear of God because that is the way to be healthy (vs. 7-8).  Then we must serve God with all of our resources because that is the way to prosper (vs. 9-10).  Next we must response to discipline because that is the way to healthy growth (vs. 11-12).  Then we must diligently seek wisdom because that is the way to gain her, and to gain by her (vs.13-20).  Next we must always govern ourselves by the rules of wisdom and discretion because that is the way to safety (vs. 21-26).  Lastly we must do all the good we can to our neighbors, because according the measure we give we will receive from God (vs. 27-35).

What stands out to me today is verses 9 & 10 "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine". The firstfruits refers to the practice of giving to God's use the first and best portion of the harvest.  Deut. 26:9-11 reminds us:  "He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, "a land flowing with milk and honey";
10 and now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land which you, O Lord, have given me.' Then you shall set it before the Lord your God, and worship before the Lord your God. 11 So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you."

Unfortunately many people give God their leftovers. If they can afford to donate anything, they do so. These people may be sincere and contribute willingly, but their attitude is nonetheless backward. It is better to give God the first part of our income. This demonstrates that God, not possessions, has first place in our lives and that our resources belong to Him (we are only stewards or managers of God's resources). Giving to God first helps us conquer greed, helps us properly manage God's resources, and opens us up to receive God's special blessings.  Remember we can never out give the Lord.

I pray that you would be determined not to look upon anything we possess except in relation to the Kingdom of God.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 4:1-27

Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; 2 For I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law. 3 When I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. 5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you." 10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. 16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. 24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.

In chapter 4 of Proverbs Solomon advises to seek after wisdom, to avoid bad company, and to continue in the right paths of goodness and truth. He gives attention to what he had to say, from the nature of his instructions, which were good and profitable; and from his own example, in attending to those his parents gave him.  In this chapter we have an earnest exhortation to the study of wisdom (vs. 1-13).  Next Solomon gives a necessary caution against bad company and all fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (vs. 14-19).  Lastly he gives Particular directions for the attaining and preserving of wisdom, and bringing forth the fruits of it (Pro_4:20-27).

What stands out to me today is how David taught Solomon as a young boy that seeking God's wisdom was the most important choice he could ever make. At times Solomon learned the lesson well. When God appeared to the new king to fulfill any request, Solomon chose wisdom above all else. We should also make God's wisdom our first choice. We can boldly ask Him for wisdom today through prayer. James 1:5 assures us that God will grant our request:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need.  Wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to right living, and results in increased ability to tell right from wrong. God is willing to give us this wisdom, but we will be unable to receive it if our goals are self-centered instead of God-centered. To learn God's will, we need to read His Word and ask Him, by His Holy Spirit, to show us how to obey it. Then we must obey!

I pray that you would never stop asking for wisdom from above.

James 3:17 (KJV) 

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 5:1-23

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, 2 That you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. 3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. 6 Lest you ponder her path of life- her ways are unstable; you do not know them. 7 Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, 9 Lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; 10 Lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner; 11 And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, 12 And say: "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction! 13 I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! 14 I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation." 15 Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. 16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be only your own, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. 20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress? 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. 22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. 23 He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

In chapter 5 of Proverbs we are exhorted to pay attention to wisdom and understanding (vs. 1-2). Next we are given a strong caution against the immoral woman (vs. 3-14).  The chapter will conclude with remedies on how to guard from that sin: Marital love (vs. 15-20); a regard to the fear of God or the omniscience of God (v. 21); and a warning of the miserable end of the wicked (vs. 22-23).  

What stands out to me today is the warning about the "immoral woman".  This immoral woman is actually describing the acts of a prostitute. Proverbs includes many warnings against illicit sex for several reasons. First, sexual immorality is against God's law.  Second, a prostitute's charm is used as an example of any temptation to do wrong or to leave the pursuit of wisdom. Third, sexual immorality of any kind was and still is extremely dangerous. It destroys lives. It erodes a person's ability to love. It degrades human beings and turns them into objects. It can lead to disease. It can result in unwanted children and broken families. 

For those of us that are married, we can glean an important principle in verse 15.  "Drink water from your own cistern" is a picture of faithfulness in marriage. It means to enjoy the spouse God has given you. In desert lands, water is precious, and a well is a family's most important possession. In Old Testament times, it was considered a crime to steal water from someone else's well, just as it was a crime to have sexual relationship with another man's wife. In both cases, the offender is endangering the health and security of family. 

Many temptations entice husbands and wives to desert each other for excitement and pleasures to be found elsewhere when marriage becomes dull. But God designed marriage and sanctified it, and only within this covenant relationship can we find real love and fulfillment.  Don't allow God's best for you to be wasted on the illusion of greener pastures somewhere else.

I pray that you would be wise in what you watch and listen to.  God has the very best for you.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 6:1-35

My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, 2 You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. 3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: go and humble yourself; plead with your friend. 4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, 8 Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep- 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. 12 A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; 13 He winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; 14 Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. 15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. 16 These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. 20 My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. 22 When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. 25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. 27 Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent. 30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. 31 Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house. 32 Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. 33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is a husband's fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.

In chapter 6 of Proverbs we have a caution against promising things you cannot deliver (vs. 1-5).  Next there is a rebuke to the slothful (vs. 6-11).  Then we have a wicked man described by his mouth, eyes, feet, fingers, and heart, whose ruin is sudden and inevitable (vs. 12-15).  Next we have an account of seven things which God hates (vs. 16-19) and then an exhortation to make the word of God familiar to us (vs. 20-23).  The chapter concludes with similar exhortation from previous chapters, such as: to attend to the instructions of parents; to keep oneself from the seductress woman; from the sin of uncleanness being greater than that of theft; and from the folly of adultery, which brings about rage and irreconcilable offense of the husband of the adulteress (vs. 24-35).

What stands out to me today is verses 16-19. This passage is a numerical proverb that describes seven things that the Lord hates:

1. A proud look

2. A lying tongue

3. Hands that shed innocent blood

4. A heart that devices wicked plans

5. Feet that are swift in running to evil

6. A false witness that speaks lies

7. One who sows discord among the brethren

The word hates progresses to abomination (v. 16). The word abomination is the Bible's strongest expression of hatred for wickedness. In a list of this type, the last item is the most prominent. The seventh thing the Lord hates is causing discord among brethren. The striking thing here is that God ranks the one who causes divisions among brethren with murderers, liars, and perjurers! Therefore we need to learn that causing discord among brethren (see v. 14) causes God's greatest disapproval. However, the contrast to this abomination is found in the blessing of God on brothers who live together in peace:

Psalm 133:1-3 (KJV) 

    A Song of degrees of David.

    Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; [3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

I pray that you would have a heart like Jesus when He prayed John 17. 

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 7:1-27

My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your nearest kin, 5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. 6 For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, 7 And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, 8 Passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night. 10 And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. 11 She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner. 13 So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him: 14 "I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, colored coverings of Egyptian linen. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day." 21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him. 22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 Till an arrow struck his liver. as a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life. 24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children; pay attention to the words of my mouth: 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths; 26 For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. 27 Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.

Chapter 7 of Proverbs starts out with the antidote for keeping young men away from the immoral woman or the lust of the flesh (vs. 1-5).  The rest of the chapter gives an exhortation to listen and pay attention to the words of wisdom , and to avoid the ways and the paths of the harlot, by which many and mighty persons have been led to destruction, hell and death (vs. 6-27).

What stands out to me today is the fact that those who are slain by the harlot ways "were strong men." The Hebrew word is `atsuwm, (aw-tsoom'); or atsum, (aw-tsoom'); passive participle of Hebrew 6105 (`atsam); powerful (specifically a paw); by implication numerous :- + feeble, great, mighty, must, strong.  One of the strategies of war (battle) is to take down the strong and mighty men.  It is know wonder why the devil is fueling this fire from hell (harlotry). 

We can learn from this passage that there are definite steps you can take to avoid sexual sins. First, guard your mind. Don't read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires. Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin. Third, don't think only of the moment?focus on the future. Today's thrill may lead to tomorrow's ruin.

I am praying that you keep crying out for wisdom, understand and knowledge of the Holy One.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 8:1-36

Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: 4 "To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; 7 For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. 12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. 22 "The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. 23 I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world. 27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 When He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep, 29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men. 32 "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; 36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death."

In chapter 8 of Proverbs we receive a further description of wisdom and how wisdom will cry out and understanding will lift up her voice. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides us (Proverbs 8:1-13) and makes us succeed (Proverbs 8:14-21). Next we learn of wisdom's role in creation.  Wisdom was present at the creation and works with the Creator. The Hebrew verb for "possessed" can mean "brought forth" or "created."  These verses provide part of the background for the New Testament portrayal of Christ as the divine word [see John 1:1-3] and as the wisdom of God [see 1 Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 2:3] (Proverbs 8:22-31). The chapter concludes with a calling to everyone to listen.  Wisdom offers blessing and life to those who lover her, but cursing and death to those who hate her (vs. 32-36).

What stands out to me today is the fresh reminder that Jesus (wisdom) not only loves those who love Him but also those who "seek Him diligently will find Him."  The English word "diligently" can be a little misguided because the Hebrew word is shachar, "shaw-khar'"; it is a primitive root; meaning to dawn, i.e. (figurative) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extensive to search for (with painstaking) :- [do something] betimes, enquire early, rise (seek) betimes, seek diligently (early, in the morning).  In other words He loves those who give Him the first and best of the day. 

Matthew reminds us of the following:

Matthew 6:32-33 (KJV) 

    (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 7:7 (KJV) 

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

To "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" means to turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything. Wisdom will cry out so that we will keep first what needs to be first. 

I pray that you would keep crying out!

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 9:1-18

Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city, 4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. 7 "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. 8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone." 13 A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. 14 For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, 15 To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: 16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 17 "Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.

In chapter 9 of Proverbs we have a contrast between wisdom and folly.  First we have a description of how the house of wisdom (which many refer to as the way of Christ) is built (vs. 1-12).  Next we learn of the description of folly (which many refer to as the way of sin) and how it is built (vs. 13-18). 

What stands out to me today is the contrast between wisdom and folly.  Wisdom and folly are portrayed in this chapter as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it. But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character, while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food. Wisdom appeals first to the mind; Folly to the senses. It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary. By contrast, the satisfaction that wisdom brings lasts forever. 

Remember wisdom begins with knowing God. To know God is not just to know the facts about him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.

I pray that you would make it priority to search for God's Wisdom.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 10:1-32

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked. 4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. 6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8 The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. 9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. 10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. 13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. 14 Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin. 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. 18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. 23 To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. 26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him. 27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. 29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

In chapter 10 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. It can be observed, that frequently in the preceding chapters two persons are represented as women; one goes by the name of "Wisdom", the other is called the "foolish" woman and a "harlot"; the former is clearly to be understood of Christ; and the latter, being opposed to Him, must be the ways of sin.

What stands out to me today is Proverbs 10:18.  This proverb contrasts the man who hides his hatred by insincere words and the man who openly reveals it by slandering his neighbor. The truth is by having hatred in your heart towards another person we become a liar.  In other words if you try to conceal your hatred, you end up lying.  If you slander the other person and are proven wrong, you are a fool.

In Galatians 5:24 we read these words: "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."  Guess what one of the affections are that need to be crucified?  Verse 10 "Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies," 

The only way out of this sinful way is to admit your hateful feeling to God, ask for the gift of repentance so that your heart can be changed.  When your heart is changed you will learn to love instead of hate.   

I pray that your heart would be filled with love today.  I also pray that you would remember

Luke 6:32 (KJV) 

    For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 11:1-31

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. 4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. 7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes. 8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead. 9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace. 13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. 14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure. 16 A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18 The wicked man does deceptive work, but he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. 19 As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. 20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight. 21 Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered. 22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. 26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. 27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil. 28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. 29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. 31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner.

In chapter 11 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them.

What stands out to me today is verses 24-25, and 28.  These verses present a paradox: that we become richer by being generous. The world says the opposite.  We are told to hold on to as much as possible, but God blesses those who give freely of their possessions, time, and energy. When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give more. It is called stewardship.  In addition, giving helps you and I gain a right perspective on our possessions. We realize they were never really ours to begin with, but they were given to us by God to be used to glorify God as we help others. What then do we gain by giving?  We gain freedom from enslavement to our possessions, the joy of helping others, and most of all God's favor. 

I pray that we would always realize how foolish it is to trust in riches and that you would maintain a giving heart.

Grateful,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 12:1-28

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. 3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved. 4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood," but the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. 8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. 9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread. 10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. 12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble. 14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. 16 A fool's wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame. 17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit. 18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy. 21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor. 25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. 26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man's precious possession. 28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

In chapter 12 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

What stands out to me today is the fact that truth will be established forever. Think for a moment about the centuries that have passed since these proverbs were written. Consider the countless hours that have been spent carefully studying every sentence of Scripture. The Bible has withstood the test of time. Because God is truth, you can trust His Word to guide you. Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Because it is connected with God's changeless character, it is also changeless. 

3 John 1:3-4 (KJV) 

    For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

I pray that you keep walking in the truth and that you always remember that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life: no man comes to the Father, but through Him.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 13:1-25

A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence. 3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. 4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. 5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. 6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. 8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke. 9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 10 By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom. 11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. 13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. 16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly. 17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health. 18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. 19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. 21 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. 23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste. 24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. 25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.

In chapter 13 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

What stands out to me today is verse 3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.  The truth is you have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts" (James 3:5). If we want to be self-controlled, we must begin with our tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body. It is no wonder then, that he who guards his mouth preserves his life.

What we say probably affects more people than any other action we take. It is not surprising, then to find that Proverbs gives special attention to words and how they are used. Four common speech patterns are described in Proverbs. The first two should be copied, while the last two should be avoided.

The Controlled Tongue	Those with this speech pattern think before speaking, know when silence is best, and give wise advice.	Prov. 10:19; 11:12-13; 12:16; 13:3; 15:1, 4, 28; 16:23; 17:14, 27-28; 21:23; 24:26
The Caring Tongue	Those with this speech pattern speak truthfully while seeking to encourage.	Prov. 10:32; 12:18, 25; 15:23; 16:24; 25:15; 27:9
The Conniving Tongue	Those with this speech pattern are filled with wrong motives, gossip, slander, and a desire to twist truth.	Prov. 6:12-14; 8:13; 16:28; 18:8; 25:18; 26:20-28
The Careless Tongue	Those with this speech pattern are filled with lies, curses, quick-tempered words?which can lead to rebellion and destruction.	Prov. 10:18, 32; 11:9; 12:16, 18; 15:4; 17:9, 14, 19; 20:19; 25:23

The final lesson is this: be careful what you say-it might be used against you.

I am praying these two verses for you today:

Col. 4:6 (KJV) 

    Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Titus 2:8 (KJV) 

    Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 14:1-35

The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. 3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox. 5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies. 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. 9 Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor. 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief. 14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above. 15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. 16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. 23 In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25 A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. 26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. 28 In a multitude of people is a king's honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. 29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly. 30 A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. 31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. 32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness, but the righteous has a refuge in his death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.

In chapter 14 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is verse 12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The "way that seems right" may offer many options and require few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second look. Is this solution attractive because it allows me compromise? Because it doesn't ask me to change my life-style? Because it requires no moral restraints? The right choice often requires hard work and self-sacrifice. Don't be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end in death.  In other words make sure you are not led by feelings but rather led by the Holy Spirit that leads us into truth.

Here are some biblical truths about the Holy Spirit: He will be with us forever (John 14:16); the world at large cannot accept Him (John 14:17); He lives with us and in us (John 14:17); He teaches us (John 14:26); He reminds us of Jesus' words (John 14:26; John 15:26); He convicts us of sin, shows us God's righteousness, and announces God's judgment on evil (John 16:8); He guides into truth and gives insight into future events (John 16:13); He brings glory to Christ (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit's activities, but to those who hear Christ's words and understand the Spirit's power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life. 

The Holy Spirit's work in our lives is the difference between doing what "seems right to man" and being led by truth.  I pray that you would know that difference today.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 15:1:33

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness. 10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die. 11 Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men. 12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention. 19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. 20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. 27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy. 31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. 32 He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.

In chapter 15 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is verse 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. We need to see that what we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies. For example, the kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the music we listen to, and the films we watch are all part of our mental diet. Be discerning because what you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being.

The truth is a person with an understanding heart is never satisfied with what he or she knows. Their pursuit of wisdom and knowledge are life-long occupations.  Remember the words of Jesus: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  

To "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" means to turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything. What is your heart seeking today? 

I pray that you would have a heart that seeks knowledge and understanding of the Holy One.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled"  

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 16:1-33

The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. 4 The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished. 6 In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. 7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. 9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 10 Divination is on the lips of the king; his mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His work. 12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right. 14 As messengers of death is the king's wrath, but a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 26 The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on. 27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. 28 A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. 30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses his lips and brings about evil. 31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

In chapter 16 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 16:4 "The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom."  Today's English version says it this way: "Everything the Lord has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked man is destruction".  I do not believe this verse means that God created some people to be wicked, but rather that God uses even the activities of wicked people to fulfill His good purposes. He has ordained a day of trouble or evil for the wicked, just as He has prepared heaven for those who love Him.  In other words, men are damned by their own deliberate choice, not by God's decree. 

The book of James reminds us that we can believe that He is not the cause of evil.  We read the following:

James 1:13 (KJV) 

    Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

James 1:17 (KJV) 

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

We can also trust that there are no loose ends in His system of judgment. Evil is a temporary condition in the universe. One day God will destroy it. In the meantime, He uses even the evil intentions of people for His good purposes.  Let me remind you of the words found in Genesis 50:20 - "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." 

God brought good from the brothers' evil deed, Potiphar's wife's false accusation, the cupbearer's neglect, and seven years of famine. The experiences in Joseph's life taught him that God brings good from evil for those who trust him. You can trust Him because, as Joseph learned, God can overrule people's evil intentions to bring about His intended destiny for your life.

I pray that you would be blessed by HIS goodness in your life.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 17:1-28

Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. 2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share an inheritance among the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts. 4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. 7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, much less lying lips to a prince. 8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. 10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly. 13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. 15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. 16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has no heart for it? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend. 19 He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. 21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. 23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice. 24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness. 27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

In chapter 17 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me this morning is Proverbs 17:5 "He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished."  We have already seen in Proverbs 14:31 that whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker. Few acts are as cruel as making fun of the less fortunate, but many people do this because it makes them feel good to be better off or more successful than someone else (this is called PRIDE). What we need to see is that mocking the poor is mocking God who made them. We also ridicule God when we mock the weak, those who are different, or anyone else. This verse makes it clear that whoever takes a heartless satisfaction in calamity will not go unpunished by the Lord. A good example of this can be found in the book of Obadiah when the prophet pronounces doom on Edom for rejoicing when Jerusalem fell.

We need to be reminded that the theme of "as you treat people, so you treat God" is central to Scripture (Ex. 22:22; Matt. 25:31; 1 John 4:20).

Exodus 22:22 "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child."

Matthew 25:31-40 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

1 John 4:20-21 "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also."

I pray that you would allow the love of God to flow in and through you today.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 18:1-24

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. 3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach. 4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. 9 He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem. 12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility. 13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit? 15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. 18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart. 19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly. 24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

In chapter 18 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is verse 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord. The word "good" is implied before wife. A man who finds a good wife finds a treasure. This verse states that it is good and favorable in God's sight to be married when God is in the center. God created marriage for our enjoyment and He pronounced it good. This is one of many passages in the Bible that show marriage as a joyful and good creation of God.  Some scripture example:

Genesis 2:21-25

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Proverbs 5:15-19

Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. 16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love.

 John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." 6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" 11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

If you are married, I pray that you would know the favor of the Lord.  Always remember that you have a gift from God in each other.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 19:1-29

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet. 3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord. 4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape. 6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. 7 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. 8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish. 10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression. 12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. 14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die. 17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. 18 Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction. 19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand. 22 What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil. 24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. 26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

In chapter 19 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool I am reminded in this verse that the individual who walks in his integrity or who walks blameless in his life is far more valuable than all wealth the world has to offer.  However, it is very unfortunate but most people don't act as if they believe this. Afraid of not getting everything they want, they will pay any price to increase their wealth?cheating on their taxes, stealing from employers, withholding tithes, refusing to give. But when we know and love God, we realize that a lower standard of living?or even poverty?is a small price to pay for personal integrity. We need to ask ourselves some tough questions: Do my actions show that I sacrifice my integrity to increase my wealth? Am I more interested in making money than I am in character?  What changes do I need to make in order to get my priorities straight?

It is very clear that the Book of Proverbs does not place a premium on health and wealth. It gives that honor to integrity.  We should do the same!

1 Thes. 5:23 (KJV) 

    And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 20:1-30

Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel. 4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? 7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"? 10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord. 11 Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both. 13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14 "It is good for nothing," cries the buyer; but when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war. 19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. 22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good. 24 A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way? 25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows. 26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them. 27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

In chapter 20 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is verse 9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"?  This proverb is a rhetorical question. In other words, everyone sins! This is a theme that the Apostle Paul addresses at length in Rom. 3:10 "As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;" The scriptures also make it clear that anyone who claims never to sin is a liar 1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."  But those who confess their sin obtain forgiveness 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." And Romans 4:7 say's "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;" We can be forever thankful that God provides forgiveness by His mercy when we ask for it. Make confession and repentance a regular part of your talks with God. Rely on Him moment by moment for the cleansing you need.

I pray for our leaders today that they would understand how important it is to lead our nation into repentance.  We must see the condition of our heart.  We can never be clean and pure without God's forgiveness, and we will never receive what we need until we realize our condition.

May God Bless our Nation with the gift of repentance,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 21:1-31

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right. 9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. 20 There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it. 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue heeps his soul from troubles. 24 A proud and haughty man-"Scoffer" is his name; he acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent! 28 A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.

In chapter 21 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 21:31 "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord."  First let me share to Hebrew words:

Battle = milchamah, mil-khaw-maw'; from Hebrew 3898 (lacham) (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally war (i.e. warfare) :- battle, fight, (-ing), war ([-rior]).

Diliverance = t^eshuw`ah, tesh-oo-aw'; or t<sup>e</sup>shu`ah, tesh-oo-aw'; from Hebrew 7768 (shava`) in the sense of Hebrew 3467 (yasha`); rescue (literal or figurative, person, national or spirit) :- deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.

This proverb refers to preparing for some kind of engagement or battle. The horse is the type of warlike strength, used chiefly or exclusively in battle (see 1Kings 4:26; 1Kings 10:26-28). The verse makes it clear that all our preparation for any task is useless without God. A soldier can do all within his ability to prepare for battle but in the end no preparation can override God's power. A politician can make all the promises he wants but again no preparation can override God's power. The bottom line is this: Men's best devices and reliance's are vain compared with God's, or without His aid. Victory is in God's hands! 

I appreciate the words of Matthew Henry when he writes:

But, after all, safety and salvation are of the Lord; he can save without armies, but armies cannot save without him; and therefore he must be sought to and trusted in for success, and when success is obtained he must have all the glory. When we are preparing for the day of battle our great concern must be to make God our friend and secure his favor.

I pray that you would always know where your deliverance comes from. 

Psalm 34:4 (KJV) 

    I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 22:1-29

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail. 9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. 10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease. 11 He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless. 13 The lazy man says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!" 14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. 15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him. 16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty. 17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; 18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, 19 So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. 20 Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, 21 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? 22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them. 24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, 25 Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. 26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? 28 Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.

In chapter 22 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."  First I would like to remind you that Proverbs contains many strong statements about the benefits of wisdom, including long life, wealth, honor, and peace. If you aren't experiencing them, this does not necessarily mean that you are short on wisdom. It is important to note that instead of guarantees for the present, these statements are general principles. In a perfect world, wise behavior would and should always lead to these benefits. Even in our troubled world, living wisely usually results in obvious blessings?but not always. Sometimes sin intervenes, and some blessings must be delayed until Jesus returns to establish His Eternal Kingdom. Sometimes we are in a spiritual battle that will take fasting and prayer to break the various strongholds.  This is one of the reasons why we must "live by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). We can be sure that wisdom ultimately leads to blessing.

At the heart of every good parenting principle lie Solomon's words of Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." The verb for train means "to dedicate," and the word for way generally refers to living correctly in God's sight (see 15:10). Solomon was advising parents to set their child aside for special use, to dedicate him or her to the Lord and His path. The verb train includes the idea of stimulating the child to do good-through words of guidance, discipline, and encouragement on the right path. This is a parent's main task, to receive a child as a charge from the Lord and then to dedicate the child to God's ways. Some however have taken the line "when he is old he will not depart from it" as a promise. They believe it to be a guarantee that proper parenting will always result in a child's salvation. Again, Proverbs gives general principles, but not necessarily guarantees or promises. This verse gives parents the assurance that the lessons learned in childhood will last a lifetime. Whether their child learns to follow the Lord will, in part, depend on his or her own choices. But lessons driven home at the crucial stage of childhood will not go away.

If you are a parent I pray that you would continue to see your need for parental discipline and guidance.  May you be found to be faithful as a parent and may God show His mercy on your child.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 23:1-35

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; 2 And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. 3 Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. 4 Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven. 6 Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies; 7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless; 11 For their Redeemer is mighty; he will plead their cause against you. 12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge. 13 Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. 14 You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell. 15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice-indeed, I myself; 16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things. 17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; 18 For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off. 19 Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. 20 Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. 25 Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice. 26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well. 28 She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men. 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 35 "They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?"

In chapter 23 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verses that stand out to me today are Proverbs 23:4-5 " Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven." It is a fresh reminder that we are not to be spending our life pursuing false values and putting our trust in that which does not last. Riches have a way of sprouting wings and flying away like an eagle.

We have all heard of people who have earned or won millions of dollars and then lost it all. Even the average person can spend an inheritance?or a paycheck?with lightning speed and have little or nothing to show for it. I pray that we are guarded from spending our time chasing fleeting earthly treasures. Instead let us store up treasures in heaven, for such treasures will never be lost. Jesus teaches us the following from Luke 12:33-34 "Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

We can learn some valuable lessons when we look at this Proverb along with the teaching of the Apostle Paul.  Paul instructs Timothy in the following way:

1 Tim. 6:10 (KJV) 

    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

How can you keep away from the love of money? Paul gives us some guidelines:

#1 Realize that one day riches will all be gone (1 Tim. 6:7, 17);

#2 Be content with what you have (1 Tim. 6:8);

#3 Monitor what you are willing to do to get more money (1 Tim. 6:9-10);

#4 Love people more than money (1 Tim. 6:11);

#5 Love God's work more than money (1 Tim. 6:11);

#6 Freely share what you have with others (1 Tim. 6:18).

I pray that you would be able to get rid of the desire (lust) to be rich with this worlds goods, but rather purposeful to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 24:1-29

Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. 3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; 6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate. 8 He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer. 9 The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 12 If you say, "Surely we did not know this," does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 13 My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off. 15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place; 16 For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity. 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him. 19 Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; 20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21 My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change; 22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin those two can bring? 23 These things also belong to the wise: it is not good to show partiality in judgment. 24 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," him the people will curse; nations will abhor him. 25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them. 26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. 27 Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house. 28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, for would you deceive with your lips? 29 Do not say, "I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." 30 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. 32 When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; 34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.

In chapter 24 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; describing righteous and wicked men; setting forth their different character, conduct, and actions, and the fruits and effects of them. There is much to learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 24:10 "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." The word "faint" in Hebrew is raphah, (raw-faw'); it has to do with being slack. In other words you will not be ready or prepared to face the "adversity".  In Hebrew the word for adversity is tsarah, (tsaw-raw'); feminine of Hebrew 6862 (tsar); tightness (i.e. figurative trouble).  This has everything to do with times of conflict or challenge.  The truth is times of trouble can be useful. They can show you who you really are, what kind of character you have developed. In addition, they can help you grow stronger. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble he faced, God asked how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out:

Jeremiah 12:5

"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?"

We can't complain about our problems. The trouble we face today is training us to be strong for the more difficult situations we will face in the future.  The "strength" that is mentioned in this proverb is the Hebrew word koach, (ko'-akh); it is from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literal (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figurative (capacity, means, produce).  The good new is that God does not want our strength (capacity, means, or produce) to be lacking in our times battle.  We can be prepared for what is coming as we continue to meditate on God's word day and night. 

Rejoicing in HIS provision for strength,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 25:1-28

These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. 3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. 6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; 7 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. 8 Do not go hastily to court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame? 9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another; 10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain. 15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone. 16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit. 17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you. 18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. 20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you. 23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. 24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 25 As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well. 27 It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one's own glory is not glory. 28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.

In chapter 25 we have Proverbs that were collected by Hezekiah's aides.  This specific Proverbs was written by Solomon.  While we can all learn from this proverb, it was originally directed toward the king or those who dealt with the king.  These are particularly helpful for those who are leaders or aspire to become leaders.

The verses that stand out to me today are Proverbs 25:6-7 "Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; 7 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."  Jesus made this proverb into a parable:

Luke 14:7-11

So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

In other words we should not seek honor for ourselves. It is better to quietly and faithfully accomplish the work God has given us to do. As others notice the quality of our lives, then they will draw attention to us.  Knowing your place is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is humiliating to be told to remove yourself from a seat of honor.

I pray that you would be graced to know your place today.  Remember, God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 26:1-28

As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. 2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back. 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence. 7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling is he who gives honor to a fool. 9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages. 11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13 The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!" 14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. 15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. 17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, "I was only joking!" 20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. 23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. 24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; 25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; 26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. 27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

In Proverbs 26 we have observations about fools (v. 1); about a lazy men or sluggards (v. 13), and about contentious busy-bodies (v. 17). There is much we can learn from this chapter.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 26:17 "He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears."  Seizing the ears of a stray dog is a good way for someone to get bitten, and interfering in arguments is a good way for someone to get hurt. The truth is many times both arguers will turn on the person who interferes. It is best simply to keep out of arguments that are none of your business. If you must become involved, try to wait until the arguers have stopped fighting and cooled off a bit. Timing is everything! Then maybe you can help them restore their relationship if that is what God is putting on your heart.

I pray that you would be blessed today and have the wisdom to only be involved in that which God requires of you. 

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 27:1-27

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool's wrath is heavier than both of them. 4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy? 5 Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. 10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me. 12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished. 13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress. 14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike; 16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand. 17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honored. 19 As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man. 20 Hell and Destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him. 22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him. 23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; 24 For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26 The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; 27 You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.

In chapter 27 of Proverbs we have observations of self love (v. 1); of true love (v. 5); of care to avoid offenses (v. 11); and giving responsible attention to our homes, our families, and our careers (v. 23). There is much we can learn from this chapter.

The scriptures that stand out to me today are Proverbs 27:23-27 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; 24 For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26 The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; 27 You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.

These verses affirm diligence and describe its practical rewards. The model is that of the farmer who cares for his flocks and herds; if he diligently cares for them, in time they will care for him. "Be diligent to know" the word for "know" in Hebrew is yada`,  yaw-dah'; a primitive root; to know (properly to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figurative, literal, euphemism and inference (including observation, care, recognition; and causative instruction, designation, punishment, etc.).  Our greatest example of this is found with our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ (see John 10:14).  The Greek word for "know" in this text is ginosko, ghin-oce'-ko; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolute), allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.  In both the Hebrew and Greek you get the idea of intimacy.  In other words diligence has everything to do with closeness and relationship. 

This proverb definitely teaches us that we should be responsible stewards, like a farmer with his lands and herds. But the same can be said of Pastoral Care Ministry in the local church. Pastoral prosperity can only be maintained by constant diligence. It will take closeness and relationship.  The truth is so many long for this type of closeness and relationship but because of fear, previous scandals, and false teachings, we see so many hurting alone. 

I pray that God would grace you to do diligence in all that God has plan for you today.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 28:1-28

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all. 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor. 9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out. 12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. 14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. 17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; let no one help him. 18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It is no transgression," the same is companion to a destroyer. 25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses. 28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.

The verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 28:2 "Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; but by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged." First, I would like to state how blessed I feel we are, that this nation was built with a passion for religious freedom.   Some of the freedoms we experience today are because the forefathers of our nation dedicated and sacrifice their lives for liberty, justice and freedom for all.  However, for a government or a society to endure today, it needs wise, informed leaders?and these are hard to find. "Many are its princes" may mean that anarchy is prevailing. Each person's selfishness quickly affects others. A selfish employee who steals from his company ruins its productivity. A selfish driver who drinks before taking the wheel makes the highways unsafe. A selfish spouse who has an adulterous affair often breaks up several families. When enough people live for themselves with little concern for how their actions affect others, the resulting moral rot contaminates the family, the community, the state, and eventually an entire nation. Selfish and self-centered people will eventually put in office people like themselves. 

We need to pray not just for our politician but for our society to experience a transformation and renewal to the plans and purposes of God.  Only then will a man of understanding and knowledge be appointed in our democratic society so as to see "right ........... prolonged".

I pray that we would be part of the solution and not the problem.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 29:1-27

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices. 7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge. 8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being. 11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law. 19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; for though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him as a son in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression. 23 A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. 24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

In chapter 29 of Proverbs we have various proverbial sentences, without any very apparent connection or coherence with each other; we have observations of public government (v. 1), and of private (v. 15), of anger, pride, stealing, and corruptions.  There is much to learn from this chapter.

There are two verses that stand out to me today.  The first one is Proverbs 29:1 "He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." The Hebrew phrase for often rebuked is "a man of rebukes." The judgment on a person who stubbornly rejects God's correction is swift and final. So making the same mistake over and over is an invitation to disaster. Eventually people have to face the consequences of refusing to learn. If their mistake is refusing God's invitations or rejecting His commands, the consequences will be especially serious. In the end, God may have to turn them away.  The bottom line, we need to pray that we would never quench the Holy Spirit of God.  We need to continue to ask God to search our hearts and see if there is any wicked way in us that is not confessed.

The second verse that stands out to me today is Proverbs 29:7 "The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge." Righteous people are concerned for the poor and help them (see also 22:22); the wicked on the other hand do not even consider the needy.  One thing is for sure, God is very concerned for the poor and so should we. 

I pray this verse for you today:

Thus says the LORD, "Keep justice and do righteousness." Isaiah 56:1

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 30:1-33

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel-to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One. 4 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? 5 Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 7 Two things I request of you (Deprive me not before I die): 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches- feed me with the food allotted to me; 9 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. 10 Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. 11 There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness. 13 There is a generation-oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. 15 The leech has two daughters- Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, four never say, "Enough!": 16 The grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water- and the fire never says, "Enough!" 17 The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it. 18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand: 19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a virgin. 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, "I have done no wickedness." 21 For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, for four it cannot bear up: 22 For a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with food, 23 A hateful woman when she is married, and a maidservant who succeeds her mistress. 24 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; 26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags; 27 The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks; 28 The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings' palaces. 29 There are three things which are majestic in pace, yes, four which are stately in walk: 30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any; 31 A greyhound, a male goat also, and a king whose troops are with him. 32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. 33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.

The origin of Proverbs 30 in not clear and nothing is known about Agur, the author, except that he was a wise teacher who had come from Lemuel's kingdom.  First we have his confession of faith (vs. 1-6).  Then we have his prayer (vs. 7-9).  Next is a caution against wronging servants (v. 10) and four wicked generations (vs. 11-14). Then we have four things that never say enough (vs. 15, 16) and four things intolerable (vs. 21-23).  The chapter will conclude with four things little and wise (vs. 24-28) and four things stately (vs. 29-33).

The verses that stand out to me today are Proverbs 30:7-9 "Two things I request of you (Deprive me not before I die): 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches- feed me with the food allotted to me; 9 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."  These verses contain a prayer that is short and to the point. It contains two petitions, one covering the spiritual life and the other covering the physical life. First Agur wanted his life to be worthwhile and honest, and he didn't want it to be wasted on non essentials. In other words he didn't want to major on minors, and he didn't want to deceive others or to be deceived. As to the physical, he asked to be delivered from the extremes of poverty and riches. He would be satisfied with the provision of His daily needs. He was saying, in effect, "Give me this day my daily bread."

He author gives reasons for wanting to avoid the twin extremes of affluence and poverty. If he were full, he might become independent of the Lord and deny Him by not feeling any great need for Him because he was managing on his own. He might be foolish to say, "Who is the Lord?"-that is, who is He that I should look to Him for what I need or want? Having too much money can be dangerous, but so can having too little. Being poor can, in fact, be hazardous to your spiritual life as well as physical health. Also the danger of poverty would be that he might steal, and then, to cover up, lie about doing it. On the other hand, being rich is not the answer. As Jesus pointed out, rich people have trouble getting into God's kingdom (Matthew 19:23-24). Like Paul, we can learn how to live whether we have little or plenty (Phil. 4:12), but our lives are more likely to be effective if we have "neither poverty nor riches."

I pray that you would be blessed with contentment today.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) 

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

Proverbs 31:1-31

The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Chapter 31 of Proverbs is added to Solomon's proverbs, some think because it is of the same author, supposing king Lemuel to be king Solomon; others only because it is of the same nature, though left in writing by another author, called Lemuel.  His name means "devoted to God." In the chapter we find Lemuel's lesson of chastity and self-control (v. 1); the afflicted are to be comforted and defended (v. 6); and the praise of a virtuous wife (v. 10).

What stands out to me today is how the book of Proverbs ends with a picture of a woman of strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and great compassion. Some people have the mistaken idea that the ideal woman in the Bible is someone who just stays home to clean and cook. Not so! This woman is an excellent wife and mother. She is also a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and merchant. Her strength and dignity do not come from her amazing accomplishments, however. They are a result of her reverence for God, "but a woman who fears the Lord" In our society where physical appearance counts for so much, it may surprise us to realize that her appearance is never mentioned. Her attractiveness comes entirely from her character.

The simple truth is this: without the fear of God all our labor is in vein.  However, as this virtuous woman is described "she shall be praised" because of her motivation.  ALL FOR HIM!

1 Cor. 15:58 (KJV) 

    Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

I pray that you would be found steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader