May 31st~Kind, True, and Necessary

Proverbs 14:1-16:33

We read 101 individual proverbs. None of them had any connection at all on the surface, which presents a challenge when trying to draw out common themes or devotional messages. However, I did notice that this set of proverbs, as in the rest of them, had much to say about words.

I believe that, in His Word, the Lord gives us some wonderful guidelines for choosing and using our words, both to glorify Him and to bless others. These guidelines can be divided into three categories, those that are kind, those that are true, and those that are necessary. Here is a good filter for the things we say. Before they come out of our mouth, we should put them through this test.

First, are our words kind? Are they intended to do good to others? Do they come from motives of tenderness and goodness? Solomon wrote, “Never let kindness get away from you. Wear it like a necklace... for kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul, healthy for the
 body” (3:3; 15:4; 16:24). Paul wrote, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29).

Second, are our words true? Are they accurate, verifiable, and trustworthy, or are they embellished, revised, or self glorifying? Solomon said, “The godly are directed by their honesty... A truthful witness does not lie. While the talk of fools is like a rod to their backs, the words of the wise keeps them out of trouble” (11:5; 14:3, 5). Paul echoed this wisdom, “Stop telling lies, but rather let us tell our neighbors the truth” (Ephesians 4:25).

Finally, are our words necessary? Are they suitable, fit, and proper, appropriate for the need of the moment? Again, Solomon had much to say on this subject. “The godly think before speaking... From a wise mind comes wise speech... A gentle answer turns away
wrath...” (15:1, 28; 16:23). Everything that we think does not need to be said out loud.

Our words are powerful. With them we can cause people to stand up tall and straight. With them we can cause people to stoop. If we would practice using this filter – speaking only those things that are kind, true, and necessary – our words would give grace to those who hear them. “Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it...” (16:22).

Daily Reflection

How would you rate yourself in these three categories? In what areas do you need to improve?

Words that are kind

Words that are true

Words that are necessary

“The tongue is restless and evil, full of deadly poison,” so be careful how and when you use it (James 3:8). Perhaps the best filter for your words is this — only say to others what you would want others to say to you.

BiAY.org | Day 151 — 214 Days to Go

May 30th~Snapshot of Godliness

Proverbs 11:1-13:25

For several days we will plow through a section that contains 375 of Solomon’s individual proverbs (10:1-22:16). The section is disorganized as there is no apparent order, with an occasional grouping by topic; and, the proverbs are often without context which makes them difficult to interpret and apply. It is important, then, for us to use the rest of Scripture to help us under- stand their meaning and usage. For the most part, each proverb stands alone and expresses a nugget of wisdom; still, we must keep in mind that a proverb is not a promise of God but a keen observation by a wise man.

It is nearly impossible to point out a common theme in the Proverbs; one could go in numerous directions. However, one cannot read these tidbits of truth without noticing that Solomon regularly compares the righteous or godly person with the wicked or ungodly person. By doing this, he paints for us a picture of what a godly person should look like, how he should think, how he should act or react, and how he should talk. I would like to focus on these attributes today, as I believe they will be helpful to us.

For example, Solomon pointed out that godly people are honest, which means that they are just and fair in their dealing with others; they are free from deception and fraud (11:1, 2, 5, 20; 12:22). Second, godly people are humble, which means that they are free from arrogance; they have a modest estimation of their own worth and a deep sense of their unworthiness in the sight of God (11:2; 12:23; 13:7, 10). Godly people practice discernment, which means that they can distinguish one thing from another, truth from error, virtue from vice; they demonstrate good judgment and perceive errant thinking (11:9; 12:26; 13:16).

Solomon described the godly as careful with their words; they either bless others with what they have to say or they remain silent (11:11, 12, 30; 12:6, 13, 16, 18). The godly do not gossip but keep confidential that which is entrusted to them (11:13). Godly people are diligent and productive; they are also generous and willing to share (12:11, 12; 27; 13:4).

Daily Reflection

How would you rate yourself from 1-10 in each of these categories? In what ways are you doing well? In what ways can you do better?

Honesty/Integrity

Humility

Discernment/Wisdom

Speech

Diligence/Productivity

BiAY.org | Day 150 — 215 Days to Go

May 29th~The War of Two Women

Proverbs 8:1-10:32

We covered three chapters in Proverbs, most of which was dominated by a war between two women — Wisdom and Folly — two women who constantly compete for the minds of men. First, Solomon described Wisdom (8:1-9:6), as she makes her appeal, “Choose my instruction rather than silver and gold,” she says, “for wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it... and whoever finds me finds life” (8:11, 35).

Next, Solomon described Folly (9:13-18) in terms similar to the immoral woman of earlier chapters (5-7). “The woman named Folly is loud and brash. She is ignorant and does not know it. She sits in her doorway (like a prostitute) and calls out to men, ‘Come home with me. Stolen water is refreshing’ she says, ‘and food eaten in secret tastes the best.’ But the men don’t realize that her former guests are now in the grave.”

Then, Solomon takes the advice of these two women and sets them side by side for us in individual proverbs (10:1-32). For example, “A wise youth works hard all summer, but a [foolish] youth, who sleeps away the hour of opportunity, brings shame” (v.5). “The [wise] give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense” (v.21). “Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise” (v.23).

Consider for a minute the sources of Wisdom and Folly. Solomon has already told us that “The Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth (His Word) come knowledge and understanding” (2:6). James confirms Solomon’s claim, “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...” (1:5). So then, if wisdom’s source is God, then what is the source of folly or foolishness? It must be Satan. Is he not the father of lies, deception, and con- fusion? Yes, it is he who convinces men to reject

God’s ways and wisdom; and, in his rebellion to God, folly is born.

Also, if wisdom is found in the Word of God, then folly is found in the world system that Satan has established. That is precisely why the Lord warns us to be wary of the world. “Do not love the world,” He says, “nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for everything we see and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from the world” (1 John 2:15, 16).

Daily Reflection

To which Woman are you listening — Wisdom or Folly? It is one or the other; and, since their paths go in different directions, you cannot walk them both. You will choose one or the other.

To get you to choose the path of Folly, the world will lure you with lies. What are some lies that she may tell you?

While the path of Folly or the ways of the world may seem to you right and good, they are a dead end. Unfortunately, God’s people often get caught up in the world’s thinking, the world’s philosophies, the world mindset and mission, and they get trapped in the den of Folly. Don’t let that happen to you. Walk with Wisdom and let her (or Him) guide your way.

BiAY.org |Day 149 — 216 Days to Go

May 28th~Avoid the Trap

Proverbs 5:1-7:27

We continued in Proverbs. The predominant topic was the immoral woman, which for us today is the rampant and repulsive plague of pornography that is sweeping our country. It is an insidious industry that makes more money annually than all movies and professional sports combined. It reaches 90% of our men by age 17 and is now targeting women and children.

Pornography is a perversion of God’s gift of sex. A perversion is something that has been twisted or changed from its intent. God intended sex for marriage, but Satan has perverted it to be watched, enjoyed, or practiced outside of marriage. Thus, Satan uses porn to destroy God’s intent for individuals, sex, and marriage.

Why is pornography so successful? Simple, it is a seductive trap. It is seductive in that it uses our own natural desires as bait; and, once we have been lured into the trap, it is very difficult to escape. In fact, this particular trap leads us to dead ends in many ways. The purpose of a trap is to cage or kill something; and, pornography kills one’s thought life, spiritual growth, individual potential, relationships, and even leads many people to other sins and crimes (i.e. adultery, divorce, sexual immorality, rape).

So then, how do we avoid this trap? It is not easy but it can be done. First, know how it works. All traps have lures, something as bait. The best traps use our interests or desires against us; fish like worms, mice like cheese, and wolves like blood. We like to lust. “We are tempted when we are carried away by our own lust, and lust brings forth sin and sin produces death” (James 1:13-15). Thus, the lure for this trap is our eyes, our attraction to images on TV, in movies, on our phones and devices, magazines, etc.; the bait is lying all around us.

The other hidden bait is a host of lies that accompany the porn trap. Pornography tells us it’s harmless, it’s natural, no one is watching, we are alone, it’s not hurting anyone, we will enjoy it, and a little bit won’t hurt us. However, we must remember that Satan always promises one thing but delivers another. That’s exactly what Solomon warned us about today. Her ways are sweet but “as bitter as poison and as sharp as a sword” (5:4, 5). She seduces and entices those who follow her. They are “like an ox to the slaughter, a trapped stag awaiting the arrow that will pierce his heart. They are like birds flying into a snare, little knowing it will cost them their lives. Her house is the road to the grave; her bed the den of death” (7:21-27).

Daily Reflection

Sooner or later, if he hasn’t already, Satan will attempt to lure you into this trap. What can you do to avoid it?

Solomon offered some suggestions to avoid the immoral woman in his day; it is good advice. Stay away from her door. Don’t go down her street. Do what Joseph did with Potiphar’s wife, run! Run from her! Don’t go near her house; if you do, you will lose your honor (5:7, 8). The trap cannot catch those who avoid it. Protect your eyes and protect your mind.

However, there is more to avoiding this trap than staying clear of its lures. It is all good and well to run from this trap but you need also to run to something or Someone. Take another tip from James and “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you; draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (4:7, 8).

With God’s help, you can avoid this terrible trap; and if you are free from this trap yourself, help others. Our men are dying, our women are suffering, and our children are next.

BiAY.org | Day 148 — 217 Days to Go

May 27th~In Pursuit of Wisdom

Proverbs 1:1-4:27

We began the book of Proverbs. Solomon’s purpose was “to teach people wisdom” (1:2). It is obvious that wisdom played an important part in his life. He asked the Lord for it (1 Kings 3) and he wrote two books about it (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), but the question is why? Perhaps it was because his father, David, impressed upon him the significance of having wisdom. “Learn to be wise,” he said, “and develop good judgment. Don’t turn your back on wisdom... Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do” (4:4-9).

So then, wisdom is important, but what is wisdom, where does it come from, and how do we attain it? Obviously, I don’t have space here to answer these questions fully, but let’s consider a few simple truths to get us started.

First, what is wisdom? Noah Webster defined wisdom as “the right use of knowledge,” but the most important knowledge we can acquire is that of God, the origin of knowledge. That’s why Solomon wrote, “Knowledge of the Holy One is the beginning of understanding” (9:10). Insinuated here, in Solomon’s sound words, is the belief that one cannot be truly wise without knowledge of and reverence for the Lord. Therefore, we must acquire as much accurate knowledge of God as possible, in order to rightly perceive the world around us.

Second, where does wisdom come from? Again, Solomon wrote, “The Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth (His Word) come knowledge and understanding” (2:6). God is not a source of wisdom; He is the Source of wisdom. Everything and everyone else is a re-source of God’s wisdom. We must keep this truth in mind when we read books, hear sermons and speeches, watch the news, or consider the sage advice of a prominent figure.

While truths may be gathered from many sources, they must all be weighed against the Truth, that is God’s nature and character, which have been revealed to us in His Word, the Bible, and through His Son Jesus Christ. While God created men to think, to reason, and to postulate on any given subject, men are flawed. We do not filter God’s Word through man’s reasoning, but rather we filter man’s reasoning through God’s Word.

Third, how do we attain wisdom? While fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, it is through the diligent intake of Scripture that our knowledge of God increases and our opportunity for true wisdom improves. So then, let’s add a few words to Webster’s definition of wisdom: wisdom is the right use of the knowledge of God. The more knowledge that we acquire of the Lord and apply in our lives, then the more visible the benefits of wisdom will become.

Daily Reflection

Here are some benefits you will discover when you acquire and apply the knowledge of God in your life. You will grow to love Him more. You will live in obedience to His expectations. You will begin to think more like Him; and, you will be able to identify truth and error more readily.

Do you see these benefits in your life? Are you pursuing wisdom? Are you pursuing God?

“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom; instead, fear the Lord...” (3:7).

BiAY.org |Day 147 — 218 Days to Go

May 26th~When Much is Nothing

1 Kings 4:1-34

Psalm 72

Psalm 127

We were given an inside look at the details of Solomon’s kingdom and what it was like to live during his reign. His administration was very organized and efficient, and “the people were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink... Throughout his lifetime, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety... Each family had its own home and garden” (1 Kings 4:20, 25).

We can gather from Psalm 72 that Solomon ruled justly, that he treated the poor fairly, that he defended the less fortunate, that he punished the oppressors, and that he blessed the godly. We also learned that “God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding and knowledge too vast to be measured. In fact, he spoke with authority about all kinds of plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. He was wiser than anyone else. Kings from every nation sent ambassadors to listen to his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:29-34).

However, after all of this praise of Solomon and his kingdom, the king himself identified the root cause in Psalm 127, as well as an unfortunate side effect if this cause were neglected. Unless our efforts are rooted in and directed by the Lord, they are a waste of time and energy. Solomon said it this way, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good” (v.1).

There is a saying, “Little is much if God is in it.” But, the reverse is also true, “Much is nothing if God is not in it.” We can set out on all sorts of projects, as vast as our minds can imagine, but, while they may be impressive or instructive, if they are not vines grounded in the Lord, they will wither and die. As the missionary C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Daily Reflection

Solomon applies this truth to four areas — construction, defense, employment, and family. How do you see this truth playing out in your daily work? What are the consequences if this truth were ignored?

How do you see this truth playing out in parenting? What are the consequences if this truth were ignored?

How do you ensure that God is central to all your plans and efforts? What steps do you take so that you don’t proceed without Him in mind?

Much is nothing if God is not in it. Are you wasting your time and energy? It’s better to have little with God than much of yourself.

BiAY.org | Day 146 — 219 Days to Go

May 25th~Building a Kingdom

2 Chronicles 8:1-18

1 Kings 9:15-10:13

2 Chronicles 9:1-12

1 Kings 10:14-29

2 Chronicles 9:13-28

2 Chronicles 1:14-17

Solomon’s wealth and wisdom were put on display as the Queen of Sheba and other notable dignitaries came to visit. “When the Queen saw the palace that Solomon had built, she was breathless” (1 Kings 10:5). Solomon “made a huge ivory throne and overlaid it with gold... No other throne in all the world could be compared with it!” (v.18, 20). Solomon also “made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones” (v.27). He was “richer and wiser than any other king in all the earth” (v.23).

Though the Queen of Sheba was impressed with the splendor of Solomon’s kingdom, she traced it all to the right source. She said, “The Lord your God is great indeed! He delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because the Lord loves Israel with an eternal love, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness” (v.8, 9).

The Lord blessed Solomon so that He could glorify Himself. At first, Solomon had this same perspective. He knew that “his reputation brought honor to the name of the Lord” (v.1). People were flocking to Jerusalem to see the King and the splendor of his kingdom, which gave him opportunities to put God on display.

However, before long, his thirst for money and magnificence became insatiable, so much so that “all of his drinking cups and eating utensils were solid gold. They were not made of silver because silver was considered of little value” (v.21). In the end, Solomon became so ensnared by his love of money that he began to disobey God’s commands. For example, “he built up a huge force of horses and chariots” (v.26), something the Lord had commanded not to do (Deut. 17:16, 17). Solomon became more interested in the building of his own kingdom and, thus, neglected the kingdom of God.

Daily Reflection

Having money is not sinful. However, God has plenty of negative things to say about it. At what point can having money hurt you?

How can you avoid the dangers of greed?

Solomon was guilty of building his own kingdom on earth rather than focusing on the kingdom of God. What does that mean exactly? Have you ever been guilty of this sin?

Solomon had a tremendous platform from which to glorify the Lord but he used it, instead, to glorify himself. What are you doing with the platforms and opportunities that God has provided for you? Are you using them to draw attention to Him or to yourself?

BiAY.org | Day 145 — 220 Days to Go

May 24th~Fire From Heaven

1 Kings 8:54-66


2 Chronicles 7:1-10

1 Kings 9:1-9


2 Chronicles 7:11-22

1 Kings 9:10-14

Solomon and the people of Israel finished dedicating the Temple and giving prayers, offerings, and sacrifices. The Lord responded by sending fire from heaven to consume the offerings and sacrifices, and, then, He filled the Temple with His glorious presence. When the people saw that the Lord was with them, they fell to the ground and worshiped and praised Him. What a scene that must have been!

It is important to note that this event highlighted Solomon’s twentieth year as King (2 Chronicles 8:1). So far, he had followed in his father’s footsteps and led Israel to follow God. We shall see what Solomon chooses to do in the second half of his reign. However, since this event marked the midway point, the Lord visited him a second time and gave him a stern warning. “If you follow Me with integrity and godliness, al- ways obeying My commands and keeping My laws and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty forever... But, if you abandon me and disobey My commands, and if you go and worship other gods, then I will uproot the people of Israel from this land, reject this Temple, and make Israel a mockery among the nations” (1 Kings 9:1-9). These words were very similar to the Lord’s warning to Israel through Moses (Deuteronomy 29:24-28).

We will follow Solomon’s fateful decisions another day. Today I’d like to reflect on the prayer that he made at the Temple (1 Kings 8:54-61). In it are some truths about our God that I think are encouraging. First, God is utterly reliable. “Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises God gave to Moses” (v.56). Second, God’s past faithfulness gives us confidence for the future. “May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors” (v.57). Third, the motivation to follow God comes from Him not us. “May He give us the desire to do

His will...” (v.58). Next, we need the Lord’s help every day. “The Lord our God fulfills our daily needs” (v.59). Finally, our walk with Him is not about gaining attention for ourselves but for Him. “May people all over the earth know that the Lord is God and that there is no other” (v.60).

Daily Reflection

Look back over these five truths. Which one resonates with you most today? Explain why.

While I love and appreciate all of these truths, the one that resonates with me is that my motivation to follow and serve the Lord must come from Him and not me. Just as He had to give me the faith to believe in Him, and just as He has given me a love for Him, His Church, and His Word, so also must He give me the passion or the desire to carry on. Sometimes, I must admit, I grow weary of living the Christian life, of pouring into others, of doing the Lord’s work. I may even experience near burn out, but as I pray and seek His face, as I spend time with Him, He has always been faithful to “send fire from heaven” and rekindle my flame.

Solomon finished his prayer of dedication, “May you, His people, always be faithful to the Lord your God” (v.61). Knowing these five truths about your God, what is your response to Him?

BiAY.org | Day 144 — 221 Days to Go

May 23rd~Turn to the Temple

1 Kings 8:1-11


2 Chronicles 5:1-14

1 Kings 8:12-21


2 Chronicles 6:1-11

1 Kings 8:22-53


2 Chronicles 6:12-42

After the Temple was completed, Solomon gathered all of the leaders of Israel together and had the Ark of the Covenant moved into the Holy of Holies. As soon as the Ark reached its new residence, the Lord filled the Temple with a cloud, symbolizing both His presence and His pleasure. Did you notice that Solomon described the cloud as “thick darkness” (2 Chronicles 6:1). Contrast this Old Testament visual to the way John de- scribes the coming of Jesus in the New Testament, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:4).

After Solomon blessed the people, he prayed a prayer of dedication. His long dedication could be summarized in two sentences, “May you watch over this Temple both day and night... and may You hear the humble and earnest prayers from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place” (1 Kings 8:29, 30).

In his dedication, Solomon described several scenarios in which the people could find themselves in the future — committing wrong against others, needing forgiveness for sin, battling against their enemies, suffering droughts and famines or defeat and exile; then, he directed the people to pray towards the Temple.

While facing towards the Temple might sound to us to be an unnecessary requirement for God to hear the prayers of His people, Solomon, by pointing people to the Temple, was pointing people to God. We know today that God is both omnipresent and that He dwells in us through the Holy Spirit, which means that we can pray wherever and whenever we wish and the Lord will hear us. We do not have to face a city, a temple, a church, or a cross. Wherever we are, God is there; He hears our prayers at all times.

Daily Reflection

Even though we know that we do not have to face a temple when we pray, I like what Solomon did in His dedication. In every scenario that he described, He reminded the people that the answer to their problems was the Lord.

Is God your first resort when you are facing difficulties in your life, or are there other things or people to whom you turn? Explain.

The Lord desires to sustain you. He wants to be your strength, your hope, and your help in time of need. He should be your first resort. However, much of the time, His help is given through His people, and His people are found in the Temple, the Church. In the Church, you should find those who will comfort you, encourage you, pray for you, speak truth to you, and point you in the right direction.

Are you making yourself available to God’s people in a local church? If not, why not? If so, describe how God has used His people to help you in times of need.

Are you providing comfort, encouragement, direction, and prayer for others in your church?

BiAY.org | Day 143 — 222 Days to Go