Studying this week’s Sabbath School lesson, on the humility of the wise, reminded me of a conversation I had, during fellowship dinner in a church I spoke in. A mother told me she was always pushing her daughter to do her best, and win awards and honor roll certificates. She would brag about how wonderful … Continue reading –>
It was named Hurricane Katrina, and it was a life-changing storm. One day you’re living your normal life going about your normal activities and the next day you are destitute. No job. No boss. No office. No employees. No income. No cash. No ATM. No home. No condo. No address. No make-up, comb or brush. … Continue reading –>
We should reverence God’s word. For the printed volume we should show respect, never putting it to common uses, or handling it carelessly. And never should Scripture be quoted in a jest, or paraphrased to point a witty saying. Every word of God is pure; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven … Continue reading –>
At age 4, Jesse lost his mother. By the time he was 9, Jesse lived in foster homes. As a teen, he met a young man who played basketball. When Jesse shared his name, the young man looked surprised. Your mother and my father were brother and sister! Taking Jesse home, the cousin introduced him … Continue reading –>
All through the Bible, imagery from nature has been used to teach spiritual truths. Here, too, using nature, the proverb teaches us lessons about humility. Read Proverbs 30:18-19. What is it saying here, too, about the limits of human understanding? Agur sees mystery in even many of the common things. It is a very fascinating … Continue reading –>
Introduction. How can a Christian possibly to be blessed with wisdom and receive the gift of humility at the same time? Moses was recognized for his humility. Do you think he had humility in such abundance that nobody else can come close? What is wonderful about humility? [Thought questions for The Humility of the Wise March … Continue reading –>
Just as humility is positive and brings blessings, a lack of humility is dangerous and brings curses. After having encouraged the virtue of humility by showing its rewards and fruit, Proverbs 30 gives a stern warning about the dangers that come from pride. Cursing your parents (Prov. 30:11 & Prov. 30:17). Agur begins with this category, for … Continue reading –>
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Proverbs 29:25 NLT Just a few weeks ago an unemployed pastor friend was trying to find a church and a conference to pick him up. I told Him how Jesus holds the stars of the churches in His hand in Revelation 1, and I … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Fellowship with the Creator and appreciation of His Divine wisdom provides instruction for success in this present life. [Lesson plan for The Humility of the Wise March 16, 2015] 1. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 30:1-3,32-33. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
Prov. 30:7–9 contains the only prayer in the book of Proverbs. It is not by chance that this request immediately follows the affirmation of God as the great Creator (Prov. 30:4) and the promise of His faithfulness (Prov. 30:5). Read Proverbs 30:7–9. Why would someone ask these things? Before we ask God for anything, it … Continue reading –>
Pride arises in those who don’t know the Lord in a personal way. In contrast, the person who lives in communion with God will be humble, for he or she is constantly in touch with the One who is infinitely greater than any of us. When we think about the size of the universe and … Continue reading –>
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 –>
