“When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezek. 33:8, NKJV). What basic spiritual principle is revealed here? How do we … Continue reading –>
It is no accident that the first human temptation concerned food (Gen. 3:3). It was by being disobedient and eating of the wrong thing that brought sin and death into the world (Gen. 3:1–7, Rom. 5:12). We shouldn’t miss the hard fact, too, that the first mention of wine drinking in the Bible is presented … Continue reading –>
Introduction. Are you comfortable with the idea that some of the proverbs in the Bible reflect sayings of the heathen? If not, why not? If the truth espoused by the ancient Egyptians corresponds with truth followed by Christians, should we not embrace that truth as well? [Thought questions for Words of Truth February 24, 2015] 1. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Truth is the surest and the simplest way to live one’s life. God recognizes and blesses those who live truthfully. [Lesson Plan for Words of Truth February 23, 2015] 1. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 22:16-18. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
What do Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1-2; and Proverbs 24:19-20 warn us about? Why would someone envy the wicked? Most likely it’s not because of the actual sins that they might be committing. Rather, it’s usually because of the immediate gain (wealth, success, power) that they achieve through their wickedness — that’s what people often covet … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 22:22-23; Proverbs 23:10. What are we warned about here? Though it’s always wrong to steal, this prohibition concerns stealing from the poor and the oppressed, who are the most vulnerable. They are truly helpless, and therefore they qualify for God’s special concern (Exod. 22:21–27). The case of David, who killed Uriah in order … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 22:17-18. What are we being told about how truth should impact our lives? The first duty of the student is to listen and pay attention: Incline your ear and hear (Prov. 22:17, NKJV). In other words:Concentrate! The crucial point is that the seeker of truth must be earnest, must truly want to learn … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Proverbs 22:1–23:35, Exod. 22:21–27, Proverbs 24:1-34, Eph. 5:20, Ezek. 33:8. Memory Text: Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you? … Continue reading –>
There is a true story told of an Indian missionary. The young man was in India during a great festival in which all of the Hindus travel to the river Ganges to wash themselves for the forgiveness of sins. Thousands of Hindus traveled for miles to wash themselves in this river. The story goes that … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Parents should be models of truthfulness, for this is the daily lesson to be impressed upon the heart of the child. Undeviating principle should govern parents in all the affairs of life, especially in the education and training of their children. . . . Parents, never prevaricate; never tell an untruth in precept … Continue reading –>
Paul Brown and his family are a true blessing to me. A few years ago when they moved in, my step-grandfather asked Paul if I could mow his yard. Paul agreed, and soon a connection grew between me and his family, and I found out what nice people they are. His kids, Payton and Stormy, … Continue reading –>
The Hebrew word for education comes from a word that means to build up and to begin. All these meanings are contained in the Hebrew idea of education: when we train up a child (Prov. 22:6), we build up, we begin, and we lay the groundwork for the future. Parents and educators are therefore responsible … Continue reading –>
