We all dream and make plans, and yet things turn out differently, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The Bible acknowledges the value of human responsibility and freedom. Yet the Bible also affirms God’s control over the course of events (see Prov. 20:24, Prov. 21:31, and Daniel 2:1-49, Dan. 7:1-28). What does Proverbs 16:1 … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 15:1-33. Why is joy such an important human asset? Scripture does not promise us a life without trials. As Jesus Himself said: Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matt. 6:34, NKJV). Proverbs 15:15 explains that amid evil days, the one who maintains a merry heart will have a better time of … Continue reading –>
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Prov. 15:3, NKJV). How does this text make you feel, and why? In the next two chapters in Proverbs the tone changes. These chapters are more theological than the preceding ones. The Lord is referenced more often than … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 14:1-35 again. What does it say about the wise? The wise speak humbly (Prov. 14:3). The wise restrain the use of their lips. Their silent reflection is motivated by a lack of arrogant self-assurance. The wise give consideration to the other person’s ideas; therefore, the wise will take time to think through and … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 14:1-35. What does it say about the fool? The fool speaks proudly (Prov. 14:3). The first depiction of the fool deals with his proud speech. The image of the rod associated with the fool’s lips implies his eventual punishment. His proud words have resulted in a blow on his lips, an outcome that … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Proverbs 14:1-35; Dan. 7:25; Mark 12:30-31; Prov. 15:3; Isa. 5:20; Proverbs 15:1-33; Matt. 20:26–28. Memory Text: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death(Proverbs 14:12, NKJV). As Paul had said: We see through a glass, darkly (1 Cor. 13:12). We see … Continue reading –>
Heather Ueeck grew up in Delta Junction, a small town at the end of the Alaska Highway. As a child, Heather loved going to camp every summer, and kept a record of her experiences, listing her daily activities. Early on she wrote, And of course we had to do worship, and that was dumb. But … Continue reading –>
Further Study: It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. . . . Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness. — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312, 313. The greatest deception of … Continue reading –>
As we have seen in Proverbs, so much of the instruction and teaching given has been presented by contrasting two types of people. The wise person does this, the fool does that. The godly man does that, the wicked man does this. Of course, in reality, there’s often a bit of wisdom and foolishness in … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 12:1-28 and focus on the theme of words, especially in the context of telling truth or telling lies. What message do we find here about honesty and lying? Philosopher Sissela Bok has convincingly demonstrated how lying can be harmful for society. She writes: A society, then, whose members were unable to distinguish truthful … Continue reading –>
