Scripture: Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. Proverbs 11:24 (NLT)Observation: Not every kind of scattering brings an increase. Careless giving often does harm both to the giver and to the receiver; but the loving, thoughtful endeavor to use one’s means to alleviate the sufferings and aid the struggles of those in need, brings wealth to
Scripture: Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. Proverbs 14:17 (NLT)Observation: Quick-tempered connects this verse with the preceding one. Such a person does foolish things (cf. v. 29; 15:18). “Flying off the handle”—not controlling one’s temper—causes a person to do and say ridiculous things, which he may later regret and be unable to undo. Even more difficult to
Scripture: Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. Proverbs 13:10 (NLT)Observation: Pride. Heb. zadon, “insolence,” “presumptuousness.” The contrast here is between the one who is too proud to take advice and who feel insulted if anyone suggests that he needs it, and the wise man who listens to the advice of men of experience. Not only does
Scripture: I'll search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those people who sit there unworried while thinking, "The LORD won't do anything, good or bad." Zephaniah 1:12 (CEV)Observation: search … with candles—or lamps; so as to leave no dark corner in it wherein sin can escape the punishment, of which the Chaldeans are My instruments (compare Zep 1:13; Lu 15:8).settled on
Scripture: (Exo 39:1 NKJV) Of the blue, purple, and scarlet thread they made garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses.Observation: Moses recounts with great detail all the materials used for the building of the furnishings of the sanctuary and of the clothing worn by the
Scripture: A bride could not forget to wear her jewelry to her wedding, but you have forgotten me day after day. Jeremiah 2:32 (CEV)Observation: Oriental women greatly pride themselves on their ornaments (compare Is 61:10).forgotten me — (Je 13:25; Ho 8:14). To the question posed by Jeremiah, a “no” answer is expected. It would have been equally unnatural for God
Scripture: Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.5Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed,But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)Observation: Posterity is often represented
Scripture: But not so on Mount Zion—there's respite there! a safe and holy place! The family of Jacob will take back their possessions from those who took them from them. Obadiah 1:17 (MSG)Observation: deliverance. Pictures a contrast between the fate of the mountains of Esau, where there will be destruction and slaughter, and the destiny of Mount Zion, Jerusalem, where
Scripture: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)Observation: The wise man turns suddenly to practical matters and begins each of the next five verses with a statement of prohibition. There is a timeliness about deeds of kindness that multiplies their value. To withhold good that is within
Scripture: It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalm 127:2 (NLT)Observation: This psalm is a wisdom poem authored by Solomon (his second one, the other being Ps. 72). Life without God is meaningless, which is the main
