THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.
Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.
Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&handling) for each page to:
Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418
We have a great friend in Gary Godard. He has set up an archive page. To view ALL the prior devotions by Scripture, just clik
Bro. Bruce's commentaries for
the books of Genesis through 2Kings are
now available in hard copy for $7.50. Just mail your request for
COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to the address above.
PROVERBS
CHAPTER 29
1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
When a person is told about impending trouble, and will not listen, that person is headed for trouble. Some children are "often reproved" by parents, teachers, and even friends; but still disobey the law and find themselves in jail.
Some people are "often reproved" about sin and the need of repentance and surrender to the Saviour.
The end result of not heeding warnings is "sudden" destruction.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
See Proverbs 28:28.
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
It is an UNwise thing to keep company with those who prostitute their body or their integrity.
4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
The word "judgment" here is the same word used for "deliver," or "pronounce verdict." When a ruler abides by God's law he will not allow bribery to pervert true justice. When a ruler allows bribery to alter correct decisions, he ruins the nation.
5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
The flattery spoken of here is deceitful use of compliment. It is meant for self-gain rather than true compliment.
6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
The person who intentionally commits sin is setting a trap for himself. That trap begins with a guilty conscience which causes the soul to be bitter. However, the person who intentionally tries to do that which is right has joy in his heart.
7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
It is RIGHT to help the poor. But those who have a determination for self will not even listen to how they might help the poor.
8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
A scornful attitude spoils a whole city. It is wise to "turn away wrath" rather than to provoke it with scornfulness.
9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
Consider the statement as: "If a faithful believer contend with a proven non-believer..."
I have seen debates on television between avowed atheists and godly saved men. The debates may favor one or the other, but there is no RESOLUTION. The reason there is no resolution is because the "fool" has determined he will NOT believe in God.
Man simply cannot convince man of sin and the need of a Saviour. Only God's Holy Spirit can do that. And if a person has determined that he will NOT listen to God, he will not believe.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
People who live with determined integrity are "sought out" by others. The wicked seek to RUIN them, but those who are trying to live righteously seek to be WITH them.
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
after something is said it either stands as true or needs apology. Words have lasting value. We should consider before we speak.
12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
A "ruler" (or leader in authority) will hear many reports. It is his duty to determine the truth of them. If the leader doesn't establish truth and demand factual reports his is lax in his duty. Laxness in the ruler will result in laxness in the servants.
13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
All human beings receive life from God. And all human beings will "meet together" at the foot of God to give account of life.
14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
The king, ruler, president, employer who has determined to help the poor has compassion in his heart. His kindness is noted by God and is written down.
There is, in reality, only ONE King Who will "faithfully" deliver the poor. That King is Jesus. His throne IS established forever!
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
A child "left to himself" knows no limits to wrongful action. If a child is untrained in morality, the shame is upon the parents!
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
This gives the godly person a great assurance beyond physical life. There are, by man's own admission, more people who do NOT believe in Christ than those who do. At present, only about 22% of the world believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Our world, as a result, is deeply imbedded in selfish people. But those who love God and try to live right will one day see the "fall" of the wicked.
17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
A well-trained child will have genuine respect for his parents. While the child is young he will give the parents rest because he lives with integrity. When they are older, he will give them rest by tenderly caring for them.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Take note of ALL that God says here. Truly a people without vision for purpose and future have no real hope. Man, by his very nature, is created in the "image of God." As such man desires to have purpose and meaning in his life. When he does not, he is miserable because he has refused the rulership of God and the leadership of God's Word.
VISION for churches must come from the people. And the people of God must receive their vision from "the law." It is GOD and GOD'S WORD which gives meaning and purpose to life.
A church full of Christians who are not reading and studying God's law have no VISION!
19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
When a child, servant or an employee intentionally does wrong, mere words will not bring adequate correction. Words must be accompanied by punitive measures. It is impossible to train a child, servant or employee without providing consequences for immoral behavior.
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Just last year I visited with a man who simply could not take a breath without talking. Virtually every thought he had was being expressed. Trying to present the gospel and plan of salvation to him was utterly impossible. A thought progression from a visitor that took more than one minute was simply overrun by communication from him. This was a man "hasty in his words."
A "fool" has said he will NOT believe. But at least he will LISTEN. The Bible says, "...faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD" (Romans 10:17).
An avowed atheist may at least LISTEN to the plan of salvation. And thus there is a small hope that he might make a decision for Christ. But a man of "hasty words" will not allow God's Word to enter his mind long enough for reason.
21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
A person can win the allegiance of a child by proper encouragement and training. Young people should be considered worthy of an investment of our time.
22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. 23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
When a person is angered, he will cause "strife" in the hearts of those around him. When a person is "furious" he will do wrong. When anger is allowed to control the person, rather than the person controlling the anger, then wrong actions will follow.
Pride, the Bible says, "goeth before a fall." To act in pride is to one day face the fact that one is not as good as he proclaims to be.
An humble person will show honor in his actions.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
There is a difference between having contact with a person and having fellowship with them. The Bible plainly teaches that the Christian is not to have fellowship with a non-Christian.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2Corinthians 6:14)
When a Christian allows himself to be in partnership with those who are doing wrong, then he becomes part of the wrong-doing!
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Physical life is temporary! It only lasts a few years.
To allow ourselves to be in fear of man rather than God is a "snare." It is a trap that keeps us from coming to the knowledge of Truth.
Many people live only for social acceptance and give no thought to eternity. They willfully seek the "favor" of rulers, having "fear" (reverence) for the things of the world.
We should look to eternity and realize a reverence for God rather than the temporary things of society.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
This verse explains why there is constant contention in the earth. Those who live unjustly despise the ones who are trying to live right. Those who live right are a constant irritation to those who live for self.
PLEASE CONTINUE IN BIBLE STUDY WITH US TOMORROW.