Read Proverbs 30:1–3, Prov. 30:32-33. Together, what are they saying? The self-negation seen in these texts is quite a break from the usual self-exaltation of kings in the ancient Near East, who often liked to boast of their wisdom, achievements, and military victories. Solomon himself is recorded as surpassing all the kings of the earth … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Proverbs 30, Luke 18:9–14, Job 38:1–40:2, 1 John 1:9, Rev. 3:14–18, Psalm 104:24. Memory Text: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3, NKJV). In the Bible, humility is considered an important virtue. The greatest of prophets, Moses, is singled out as the most humble … Continue reading –>
Further Study: The laws of God have their foundation in the most immutable rectitude, and are so framed that they will promote the happiness of those who keep them. . . . Religion brings man into personal relation with God, but not exclusively; for the principles of heaven are to be lived out, that they … Continue reading –>
Miranda Starr, principal and teacher at Parkersburg Academy in West Virginia, wanted to do an experiment with her first and second grade students. In Bible class, we were studying about kindness, and how it is contagious, she says. We wanted to see if it really works. Then Miranda had an idea–why not go to Eagle … Continue reading –>
Of all the things we could teach our children, our students, or anyone who is open to learning from us, perhaps the most important lesson can be found here, as Paul, who is writing about the lost, says that they received not the love of the truth (2 Thess. 2:10). Of course, because Jesus is … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 29:13. What is being discussed here? The poor and the rich are equal (Prov. 29:13, NKJV). The image of light used in this proverb places this issue in perspective of Creation. Both the rich and the poor have been created by God (Prov. 22:2). They both enjoy the gift of life, and the … Continue reading –>
Read 1 John 2:15–17. What are we being warned against here, and how can we protect ourselves from the danger these verses talk about? Though the idea of what it means to be rich varies greatly, the book of Proverbs comes with some instructions on how to get rich and then how to deal with your … Continue reading –>
No matter how crucial it is to a life of faith, the Law (the Torah) is not itself the source of life. On the contrary, the law points out sin, and sin leads to death (see Rom. 7:7–13). Instead, what makes the Torah effective is that it comes from God. Apart from God, the Torah … Continue reading –>
Keep the Law Out of 13 occurrences of the word Torah — law or teaching — in the book of Proverbs, four are in Proverbs 28 (Prov. 28:4 [twice], Prov. 28:7, Prov. 28:9). Although this use in Proverbs applies normally to the teaching of the wise man (Prov. 13:14), in the Israelite tradition the word has a spiritual … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Prov. 28:4; Prov. 28:7; Prov. 28:9; Rom. 1:16-17; Gal. 3:24; Prov. 28:5; 1 John 2:15–17; Prov. 29:13. Memory Text: The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25, NKJV). So many voices call to us from so many directions. How do people know what … Continue reading –>
