Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. God tests us, tests our hearts. Repeatedy in the Bible, we read that HE refines us, tests us, just as precious metals are refined to remove impurities. Read these other passages, and ask yourself what remains after going … More The Lord tests hearts
“The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.”— Proverbs 16:33 “God’s dice always have a lucky roll,” said Sophocles, one of classical Athens’ three great tragic playwrights. Here’s what Charles H. Spurgeon has to say, in Morning and Evening: If the disposal of the lot is the … More The events of our lives are in His hands
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9 Haddon Robbinson: Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. Our lives are subject to detours and corrections that we never expected or imagined. Abraham and Sarah could testify to that. They were planning for retirement when … More Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. —Proverbs 15:33 C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: When a man is sincerely humble, and never ventures to touch so much as a grain of the praise, there is scarcely any limit to what God will do for him. Humility makes us … More The sauce of humility
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. —Proverbs 15:8 John Piper, in a sermon, “The Pleasure of God in the Prayers of the Upright” My hope is that the effect of this message will not only be that you feel encouraged to pray, … More The prayer of the upright is His delight.
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (KJV) The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. (ESV) C. H. Spurgeon, in a sermon, “How … More Consider two sponges
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. -Proverbs 13:13 From Faith’s Checkbook by C. H. Spurgeon: HOLY awe of God’s Word is at a great discount. Men think themselves wiser than the Word of the Lord, and sit in judgment upon it. “So did not … More Spurgeon: HOLY awe of God’s Word
From the ESV Study Bible: Prov. 13:1–6 Headed by the call to be a wise son (10:1), these proverbs also utilize a play on words (cf. 10:6–32) relating to both speech (hears/listen, 13:1; mouth, vv. 2–3; lips, v. 3; falsehood,v. 5) and eating/desire (eats, v. 2; desire, v. 2; craves and richly supplied, v. 4) in order to assure those who seek to guard their mouth (v. 3) through righteousness … More The importance of guarding the mouth
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25 Do you have anxiety in your heart? Are there others around you that are being weighed down with an anxious heart? According to the Bible, a good word can change their outlook. Will you reach out with a … More The power of a good word
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 No one really loves getting disciplined, at the time, but when we look back, we can see the benefits. We learn much through the loving correction of others, whether our parents or faithful friends. Proverbs says we are stupid if we … More Don’t be stupid
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 