Search This Blog
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Humility. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Humility. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, August 29, 2025

Philippians 2:1-30 = August 25



Other Resources:


Prison Epistles
Joy of the Lord: The Single Mind
Philippians 2:1-30

HUMILITY — Here are a couple of examples of "computer illiteracy":
Customer with modem, without a computer:
"OH!! You mean I need a modem AND a computer to get on the Internet?!"
This guy calls in to complain that he gets an "Access Denied" message every time he logs in. It turned out he was typing his user name and password in capital letters.
Tech Support: "OK, let's try once more, but use lower case letters." Customer: "Uh, I only have capital letters on my keyboard."
Have you ever known someone who could only use "capital letters" because there were no "lower case letters" in their heart (I'm speaking spiritually here)? It is significant to me that the one known as LORD GOD and I AM knew how to use the lower case letters, to the point of washing the dirty feet of his followers. No, further than that, Jesus was willing to give up his life to offer each us life. He was the ultimate example of humility and selflessness.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:3-8).
Have a great day (in service to others)!

Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:
Submission — how do you feel about it?

Imitating Christ’s Humility — Philippians 2:1-30
1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very naturea,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very natureba servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Do Everything Without Grumbling
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
14Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”cyou will shine among them like stars in the sky16as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.20I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.21For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.22But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.29So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,30because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.


Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will
  1. God is ... What do we learn about God?
  2. We are ... What do we learn about people?
  3. Reading between the lines, with what challenge did the church in Philippi struggle?
  4. What does it mean to consider someone "better than yourself" (v. 3)? How does humility differ from being a doormat?
  5. What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human? To take on himself all of the sin of mankind?
  6. Who does Paul sound like in this passage: Your dad? Army sergeant? Coach at half-time?
  7. What does it mean to "work out your salvation" (v. 12; see also 2:1-4)?
  8. How do Timothy and Epaphroditus illustrate 2:1-4?
  9. When you were growing up, did your father praise you the way Paul praises Timothy?
  10. Consider verses 20-22 and 30. How true is verse 21 today? How rare are people like these two men?

Reflective Questions — Live it today.
1. How does this passage challenge the Madison-Avenue advertising image of success?
2. Think about someone you admire because they truly put the interests of others ahead of their own interests. What can you do to be such a person yourself?
3. What makes God's people "shine like stars"? How brightly do you "shine" in your universe? Do you give praise easily ... or do you find this hard to do? Where do you need to improve?
4. I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
5. You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this?
6. How does this equip us be a better disciple and help empower us to “make disciples”?


"When God measures men He puts the tape around the heart -- not the head!"

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Friday, June 13, 2025

Proverbs 25:1-28 The Right Word at the Right Time = Week 27 - Saturday

The Right Word at the Right Time

Proverbs 25:1-28



Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a Great app, better on computers or on smartphones)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)



Themes
Wisdom and Understanding
Self-control and Patience
Humility and Honor
Truth and Honesty
Conflict Resolution

Topics
Leadership and Governance
Human Relations
Ethical Conduct
Self-restraint
Dealing with Foes


Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:
  • Have you ever watched the Emmy, Oscar or Tony awards program on TV? What interests you most? 
  • If you were to receive a prestigious award, would you: (a) Run to the front? (b) Casually saunter? (c) Delay your move? (d) Walk slowly with dignity? (e) Boycott the program? What would prompt this reaction?


ESV Text with Highlights
#God = 
#People = King Solomon, Kings and Rulers, Neighbors and Foes
#Time = 
#Place = Ancient Israel (implied)
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

Proverbs 25 ESV

1These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

2It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver,
and the smith has material for a vessel;
5take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen
8do not hastily bring into court,a
forb what will you do in the end,
when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
and do not reveal another’s secret,
10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
and your ill repute have no end.

11A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

15With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue will break a bone.
16If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,
lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
20Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart
is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
and like vinegar on soda.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
23The north wind brings forth rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
25Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain
is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey,
nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.c
28A man without self-control
is like a city broken into and left without walls.








OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

Proverbs 25 contains various sayings that emphasize wisdom, relationships, and practical living. Key themes include the value of self-control, the importance of careful speech, and the benefits of seeking counsel. It also highlights the significance of humility and the need for discretion in dealing with others. Additionally, the chapter uses metaphors to illustrate the impact of a kind word and the dangers of unresolved conflict. Overall, it encourages wise behavior and thoughtful interactions in everyday life.

Proverbs Chapter 25 contains a collection of wisdom sayings attributed to King Solomon. These proverbs offer guidance on various aspects of life, including leadership, relationships, communication, and personal conduct.

The chapter can be divided into several main sections:
  • Wisdom and Authority (Verses 1-7):
    • Establishes the authority of Solomon's proverbs
    • Emphasizes the importance of truth and justice in leadership
  • Humility and Leadership (Verses 8-10):
    • Advises against rushing into a king's presence
    • Recommends humility in seeking great positions
  • Words and Actions (Verses 11-15):
    • Highlights the value of appropriate speech ("apples of gold")
    • Emphasizes patience and calmness in difficult situations
  • Moderation and Sensitivity (Verses 16-20):
    • Uses honey as a metaphor for moderation
    • Encourages reliability and sensitivity, especially in challenging times
  • Dealing with Enemies and Self-Control (Verses 21-28):
    • Advises showing kindness rather than retaliation toward enemies
    • Emphasizes the importance of self-control

Key Points to Consider
    The chapter emphasizes wisdom, understanding, self-control, patience, humility, truth, honesty, and conflict resolution.
    It provides guidance on leadership, governance, human relationships, ethical conduct, and dealing with foes.
    Many of these proverbs can be applied to contemporary life, offering timeless wisdom on personal growth and relationship building.

Application to Modern Life

The lessons from Proverbs 25 can be applied in various ways:
  1. In leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth and justice.
  2. In personal relationships, promoting humility and appropriate communication.
  3. In conflict situations, encouraging patience and calmness over aggression.
  4. In daily life, we are reminded to enjoy pleasures in moderation and practice reliability and sensitivity.
  5. When dealing with adversaries, suggesting kindness over retaliation.
By applying these principles, individuals can achieve personal growth, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a harmonious society.

 




STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub is a great resource.
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
Bible.com (Lexham English Bible)
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • Many of Solomon's proverbs are but "variations on a theme." What major themes do you see? What variations are significant in this chapter? How do they affect his message? 
  • In what ways are kings like, and unlike, God and the silversmith (vv. 2-5)? What would it be like for you to stand in the presence of each? What does Jesus say about this in his parable (see Lk 14:7-14)? 
  • How do leaders "remove wickedness from their presence" (vv. 4-5,26)? What does that achieve? Why does that seem so hard to do? 
  • Why is it crucial to settle out of court (v. 8)? To keep a confidence (vv. 9-10)? 
  • What variations do you see here on the power of the spoken word, for good and evil (vv. 9-15, 20, 23, 25)? 
  • When does quiet persistence win out? What other actions speak louder than words (see Ro 12:20)? What does it mean (v. 22) to "heap coals on his head"? What faith in God does this method of revenge pre- suppose? 
  • What variation on the "honey" theme do you see here (vv. 16, 27; see 24:13)? What rules of thumb does this suggest for any who wish not to overstay their welcome, or not indulge in too much of a good thing?


APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
  • What do the repeated themes in Proverbs do for you: (a) Drive home a point I may have missed? (b) Suggest new areas for application? (c) Bore me to tears? (d) Develop a habit from reinforced ideas? 
  • What things do you think God has concealed from you (v. 2)? What is your attitude toward this? Is finding the answer an obtainable goal, a worthy pursuit, a matter of trust, or like eating from the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Ge 2:17)? 
  • If you practiced the principle of humility set forth in verses 6-7, what would happen at work? At home? At church? To what would you like to be elevated? 
  • From the integrity and humility theme, what hits you like a "club, a sword, or a sharp arrow"(v. 18)? Why? 
  • What area of your life would you compare to a "broken down wall" (v. 28)? What will you do to regain that missing measure of self-control? How might others in your small group help you shore up those weaker areas? 
  • What "good news from a distant land" (v. 25) would be refreshing to your soul right now? Move
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others via social media links at this bottom.

Take Away Challenges
  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be humble and always think of others first. In the Name of Jesus.

#Neighbors
#Friends
#Associates
  • Proverbs 3:28 Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. 
  • Proverbs 3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 
  • Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 
  • Proverbs 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. 
  • Proverbs 14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich hath many friends. 
  • Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 
  • Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 
  • Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 
  • Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. 
  • Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 
  • Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. 
  • Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 
  • Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 
  • Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. 
  • Proverbs 19:4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor. 
  • Proverbs 19:6 Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. 
  • Proverbs 19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. 
  • Proverbs 22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 
  • Proverbs 22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 
  • Proverbs 22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 
  • Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 
  • Proverbs 24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. 
  • Proverbs 24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 
  • Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? 
  • Proverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. 
  • Proverbs 25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 
  • Proverbs 26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport? 
  • Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 
  • Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 
  • Proverbs 27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. 
  • Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. 
  • Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 
  • Proverbs 27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. 
  • Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. 
  • Proverbs 28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. 
  • Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet. 
  • Proverbs 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.




Other Resources:


  • Discovery Bible Study

  • Articles

  • Devotions

  • Links 


    Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for the help to make this most useful.
    Posted by at No comments:
    Labels: ,

    Proverbs 27:1-27 Iron Sharpens Iron = Week 29 - Saturday

    Iron Sharpens Iron

    Proverbs 27:1-27



    Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
    • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
    READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
    Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a Great app, better on computers or on smartphones)
    StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
    Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
    Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)



    Themes
    Wisdom and Foolishness
    Friendship and Fidelity
    Self-Knowledge and Humility
    Honest Rebuke and Flattery
    Stewardship and Diligence
    Predictability and Uncertainty of Life

    Topics
    The importance of today versus tomorrow
    The nature of true friendship
    The need for self-awareness and humility
    The power of honest criticism over empty flattery
    Prudent stewardship and diligent work
    The unpredictability of life


    Potential Sermon Titles: ??

    Intro Questions to get us thinking:
    • Do you work best with people, things or ideas? Give an example. 
    • Suppose you had a fan club (with Mom and Dad as charter members). What would they say is your key contribution to your family life, work setting or field of study?


    ESV Text with Highlights
    #God = 
    #People = Wise individuals, Fools, Friends, Neighbors, Shepherds, Stewards
    #Time = 
    #Place = 
    #Obedient faith = 
    #Sin = 
    #Key Idea = 

    Proverbs 27 ESV

    1Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.
    2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
    a stranger, and not your own lips.
    3A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
    but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
    4Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
    but who can stand before jealousy?
    5Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.
    6Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
    profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
    7One who is full loathes honey,
    but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
    8Like a bird that strays from its nest
    is a man who strays from his home.
    9Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.a
    10Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,
    and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.
    Better is a neighbor who is near
    than a brother who is far away.
    11Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
    that I may answer him who reproaches me.
    12The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
    13Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.b
    14Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
    rising early in the morning,
    will be counted as cursing.
    15A continual dripping on a rainy day
    and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
    16to restrain her is to restrain the wind
    or to graspc oil in one’s right hand.
    17Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.d
    18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
    and he who guards his master will be honored.
    19As in water face reflects face,
    so the heart of man reflects the man.
    20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
    and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
    21The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
    and a man is tested by his praise.
    22Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
    along with crushed grain,
    yet his folly will not depart from him.

    23Know well the condition of your flocks,
    and give attention to your herds,
    24for riches do not last forever;
    and does a crown endure to all generations?
    25When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
    and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
    26the lambs will provide your clothing,
    and the goats the price of a field.
    27There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
    for the food of your household
    and maintenance for your girls.





    OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
    ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
    Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
    Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
    Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

    ===========

    • Neither Boast nor Brag (27:1–3): You do not know what the future will bring. Let others praise you.
    • More Dangerous than Anger (27:4): Jealousy is more destructive than wrath.
    • Sweeter than Kisses (27:5–9): A friend’s criticism is better than kisses from the enemy.
    • Never Forget a Friend (27:10–14): If you remember your friends, they will help you when you need it.
    • A Rainy Day and a Cranky Woman (27:15–18): They are equally annoying.
    • More Reflective than a Mirror (27:19–22): “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.”
    • Caring for the Lambs (27:23–27): Put your heart into caring for your flock, because it will provide food and clothing for you.

    ============

    Proverbs 27 is a chapter focused on wisdom and relationships. It highlights the importance of self-control, humility, and strong friendships. Key themes include:

    1. Uncertainty of Life

    · The chapter begins with a caution against boasting about tomorrow, emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the need for humility (Proverbs 27:1-2).

    2. The Weight of Folly and Anger

    · It discusses the heavy consequences of folly and uncontrolled anger, comparing them to tangible weights like stones and sand (Proverbs 27:-4).

    3. The Value of Honest Rebuke

    · Genuine friendship is highlighted, where faithful wounds from a friend are deemed more valuable than deceptive flattery from an enemy (Proverbs 27:5-6).

    4. Satisfaction and Desire

    · The chapter illustrates how satisfaction can alter perception; a satisfied person may reject what others find desirable (Proverbs 27:7).

    5. The Importance of Friendship

    · Strong friendships are portrayed as vital support systems, often more reliable than familial ties during crises (Proverbs 27:9-10).

    The importance of true friends is highlighted. It warns against the dangers of false friends who flatter and deceive. The chapter encourages seeking out wise and trustworthy friends.

    6. Wisdom vs. Folly

    · It contrasts the prudent person who anticipates danger with the simple who ignore potential threats, leading to their downfall (Proverbs 27:11-12).

    7. Diligent Stewardship

    · The latter part emphasizes the necessity of knowing the condition of one’s flocks and herds, symbolizing responsible management of resources for future prosperity (Proverbs 27:23-27). It warns that current wealth is not a guarantee for the future, advocating for proactive stewardship.

    Conclusion

    Overall, this chapter serves as a practical guide for navigating life's complexities through wisdom, emphasizing humility, the significance of true friendships, and responsible management of one's resources. These insights remain relevant across generations, encouraging readers to reflect on their relationships and responsibilities in life.





    STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
    Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub is a great resource.
    NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
    BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
    BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
    BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
    BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
    StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
    KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
    Bible.com (Lexham English Bible)
    • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
    • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
    • Some proverbs are simple observations of life, and some are advice on living. How can you tell the difference? From this chapter. what key concepts distinguish them both? 
    • What's the point of boasting or praising (vv. 1-2,21)? How does the New Testament expand that (see Mt 6:34; Lk 12:19-20; Jn 12:43; 2 Co 10:12,18; Jas 4:13-16)? 
    • What choices are implicit in each of the comparisons in verses 3-6? 
    • What distinguishes true friends (vv. 5-6. 9-10,14,17)? 
    • What do verses 7-8 condemn: Food or possessiveness? Fugitives, pilgrims, or wanderlust? 
    • What reveals true character (vv. 19-22)? What can be done to satisfy a person's restlessness or change a fool's character? 
    • What is the proper balance between hard work and God's provision (vv. 23-27)? 


    APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
    ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
    Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
    The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
    Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
    • Your local high school has invited you to be a guest lecturer on "friendship, and you have chosen this chapter as your text. How would you start? What illustrations would you use? What stories from personal experience come to mind of someone who has openly rebuked you, sharpened you like iron, earnestly counseled you, or been a good neighbor? What clincher would you close? 
    • How well do you "know the condition of your flocks" (v. 23)? Do you have a laid back ("What, me worry?") attitude? 
    • Where do you put more stock: (a) Long-term financial plans? (b) Get-rich-quick schemes? (c) Just living for today with no thought of tomorrow?
    • What personal or national "danger" lurks on the horizon (v. 12)? What will it cost to take refuge? To forsake refuge? So, what prudent thing will you do? 
    • Who in your life "sharpens you like iron" (v. 17)? What kind of relationship do you expect from a person like this? Are you that to anyone else? Does this idea make you feel good, or cause a little fear? Why? 
    • If verse 22 is true, what hope is there for a fool?
    • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
    • What transformative move needs to be made?
    • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others via social media links at this bottom.

    Take Away Challenges
    • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
    • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
    • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?

    PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for Your discipline and instruction. Help me to always remember that Your reproof is evidence of Your love. In the Name of Jesus.




    Other Resources:


    • Discovery Bible Study

    • Articles

    • Devotions

    Your Positioning

     

    Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. - Proverbs 27:2

     

    Many years of being around a business taught me that positioning was defined as a place or position that a product, service, or person held in the mind of the audience. We knew that often perception was reality for people, regardless of the truth. For years, I spent time and money seeking to position our company in the minds of our prospective clients. Although it would seem that is a natural and logical marketing function, I later discovered there is a dangerous flaw when we attempt to position ourselves by promoting our own attributes. I discovered that positioning is a by-product of who we are and what we do, not an end in itself.

     

    King David was my first biblical lesson in coming to understand the difference. Here was a man who had committed adultery and murder, and failed many times in his family life. Yet, God describes David as a "man after God's own heart." Isn't that interesting? Why would God describe someone who had obviously failed in many areas as one who was after God's own heart? Throughout David's life, we find frequent descriptions made by God: "So David's fame spread throughout every land..." (1 Chron. 14:17). Although David did make many mistakes, his heart was soft toward God and sought to praise Him. David wrote the majority of the Psalms. God honored what was in David's heart, not his perfection. I believe that God's strategic placement of David was so that we may learn from and be drawn to the attribute of David that God primarily wanted him known for -- a heart bent toward Him. His positioning was a by-product of who he was, not an end in itself. In our business and personal life, our positioning among those who will know us should be a by-product of our life and service, not an end itself.

     

    What is your "position" today among your peers? I once asked my Bible study group to ask others, "What do you think of when someone mentions my name?" This exercise can bring some interesting revelations. It might motivate us to make some changes, or it might confirm that God is doing a great work in you.


    • Links 


      Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for helping to make this useful.
      Posted by at No comments:
      Labels: ,
      Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)