Scripture: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)Observation: There are four words/expressions in the first part of this verse that are very significant:1. Though – the hope we have is that “even if” we have
Scripture: Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (NASB)Observation: Paul likens the conduct of the missionaries to the loving, unselfish care of a nursing mother (v. 7), and he now compares their behavior to that of a father. What he implies
Scripture: “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. ~ (Lamentations 3:22, 23, the Bible KJV)Observation: The word is correctly translated as plural. It conveys several related ideas: covenant love, grace, goodness, kindness, compassion; each one of these connotations can be expressed with
Scripture: Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. 1 Corinthians 10:24 (NKJV)Observation: This is Paul’s rule for social relations or how we should live with and toward others because it is what is expedient and what builds us and others up. This principle is presented in several places in the Bible, only worded slightly differently:-
Scripture: Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you.. Amos 5:14 (NKJV)Observation: In this chapter of Amos, the prophet has been bringing a number of accusations against the people of Israel. Among the things that they are doing to their own people he includes: Intimidation of the righteous (v.10,
Scripture: Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Amos 3:3 (NLT)Observation: The Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible shares these insights on this passage: Can God’s prophets be so unanimous in prophesying against you, if God’s Spirit were not joined with them, or if their prophecies were false? The Israelites were “at ease,” not believing
Scripture: There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 12:18 (NKJV)Observation: The expression “piercing words” means someone who speaks hastily or indiscreetly, a person who speaks with anger, or uses his/her mouth in a reckless manner, they are not thought through. The opposite is the tongue of the
Scripture: Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. Prov 1:5 (NIV)Observation: These verses are the book’s own introduction to its nature and purpose. The contents of the book as a whole can be described as proverbs, which have the two main quite different forms noted in the introduction. This in itself shows
Scripture: But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief. Job 16:5 (NKJV)Observation: Job had lost all his property, but what hurt him most was the loss of his children. Ultimately he was struck with some skin disease and with the discouraging words of his own wife. To add insult to
Scripture: For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (NKJV)Observation: This is one of the best known, most often quoted passages of the Old Testament. The word Mercy (vs. 6) is the same word as that translated love or faithfulness in v 4. It describes the steadfast love shown by
