Archives: Pastors' Corner

Sometimes we think that the choices we make or the “god” that we serve only impacts us individually.  But if we really think about it, that is definitely not the case.  In Proverbs 11:7-11 we see how our choices can impact others.  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 […]

Let’s read Proverbs 11:3-6. 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. Like many proverbs in this section of the book, Proverbs 11 presents us with many contrasts.  I’d like to point out the different verbs used in the contrasts that are given to us.  […]

Let’s read Proverbs 10:22-32 below: 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 […]

Let’s read Proverbs 10:18-21 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. I don’t know who originally said this but the following phrase might have come out of verse 19 above:  “Better to keep silent and let one think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all […]

From W.W. II  we have the phrase “loose lips sink ships”.  This was a propaganda reminder to servicemen and others not to talk loosely about ship deployments/departure times, etc… so as not to divulge information to the enemy which might lead to the enemy being able to attack and/or sink a ship.  There is definitely a lot of potential damage that can be done by “loose lips”. In Proverbs 10:13-17 we see some more things about the mouth of the foolish.  Let’s read them now: Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding,
But a rod is for […]

Under the Cover of Love A well known phrase is “under the cover of darkness”.  When military or other maneuvers are done in the dark, the events are “covered” or hidden by the darkness.  The events still take place, but they can’t be seen by others, or they are ignored by others because they can’t be seen.  Let’s read Proverbs 10:8-12: 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 […]

As we come to chapter 10 the book of proverbs becomes what most people think of Proverbs, a collection of short, targeted sayings, usually about a specific topic or area of interest/concern.  What I think I will do is copy in four or five of these and comment on one, or at the most two.  If you have any questions on the ones I don’t comment on, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer.  Here is Proverbs 10:1-7 A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.  2 Treasures of wickedness […]

Let’s begin this morning by reading Proverbs 9:13-18: 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. When we first began to look […]

I apologize for being off the “blogosphere” for a few days.  I guess I will need to be reminded about being lazy when I get to that section of proverbs! Today’s short passage is from Proverb 9: “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.” Everything has to start somewhere.  Only God has no beginning.  Verse 10 […]

Ever meet a “know it all”?  The funny thing about “know it all’s” is that it is pretty clear, pretty soon, that they don’t know it all.  I find it interesting that a wise man is not presented in God’s word as a “know it all”, rather he is presented as a “need to know it more” kind of person.  Let’s read Proverbs 9:7-9:  “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 […]