Tag Archives: Book of Proverbs

July 16, 2018

There Is No Real Debate: God Reigns

By Daniel M. Klem

The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. -Proverbs 16:4, KJV

We could get into a debate over predestination, how people become Christians, and God’s involvement with evil.

(These debates happen regularly, everyday.)

But something that should be agreed on is that God is in control. He created all things, and all things were created to bring glory to Himself.

Even the evil people and horrible events (natural and man-made) are under His purview and ultimate control.

He is not surprised by what is happening, and He can use it all to bring about His purposes.

There is no real debate: the Creator reigns over His creation.

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July 15, 2018

You can make plans …

By Daniel M. Klem

Keeping it short and sweet today, the sixteenth chapter of Proverbs basically says the same thing throughout:

You can make plans.

Sometimes you get in the way of your plans.

Sometimes others, such as those in authority over you, get in the way of your plans.

Sometimes everything flows perfectly.

In every case, the Lord is in control.

It may be that He allows your mistakes and missteps to detail your plans, or He sends someone to block your path, or He keeps all of that from happening to let your plans succeed.

No matter how much you scheme, wink at the right people at the right time, or surround yourself with faithful helpers, if you are not relying on God, your plans may very well be worthless.

Trust God to guide you, and your plans will become His plans. Or at the very least, you can more easily handle when plans seem to change suddenly.

Take a few minutes to read chapter 16. You will see how much Good has told us.

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July 14, 2018

Fear That Brings Faith

By Daniel M. Klem

Hell and destruction are before the Lord : how much more then the hearts of the children of men? -Proverbs 15:11, KJV

Over and over again Solomon reminds us that the fear of the Lord brings wisdom and life.

Our world attempts to create a god that would never punish or discipline people. But what did Jesus say?

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!”
Luke 12:4‭-‬5, ESV

It is not the Devil who controls the realm of fiery torment. It is God. We should begin with a fear of the one who can send us there.

But He loves us enough to save us.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:16

Our fear should push us toward faith that He also made a way for us. His Son, Jesus, came and died for our sins and rose to life again to give us hope for the future.

We should have faith like a child who knows his father will not let him go when things get scary.

We can know that, although God created and maintains Hell, He cares more for those sons of Adam who hear His call to become born again sons of God.

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July 13, 2018

Good (and Sad) Grief

By Daniel M. Klem

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. -Proverbs 15:10, KJV

The Bible is clear: we are all sinners in need of a change of heart and a Savior from the penalty of sin.

Sad Grief

Those who think it is shameful and wrong to call people sinners … hate to hear they need to change.

It may grieve them to hear they need to change, but they stop there, feeling hurt and offended… and all that is left for them is everlasting death.

Good Grief

A good kind a grief is being corrected and feeling remorse for sin. That remorse should lead to repentance, a changing of mind about what is true and good, and turning to the everlasting life found in Christ.

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July 12, 2018

Do you really believe He is there?

By Daniel M. Klem

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. -Proverbs 15:3 KJV

Do you actually believe that God is omniscient – knows all things – or omnipresent – everywhere?

If you struggle with secret sin, figuring no one really knows about it, then you probably do not really believe God can see everything or knows everything.

Do you really believe God is watching all the time?

If you mistreat others, steal looks at an attractive person, or conveniently overlook a transaction in your favor, then you probably do not really believe God can see everything or knows everything.

If you have constant, nagging fears and doubts, worry about what is going to happen tomorrow, or refuse to trust others because they might wrong you, then you probably do not really believe God can see everything or knows everything.

God is there.

Trust Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you daily, continually. Allow Him to change you, to grow you into the image of His Son. Let the Holy Spirit move in your life.

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July 8, 2018

Your Answers Matter

By Daniel M. Klem

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. -Proverbs 15:1, ESV

We see evidence of what this verse is saying all over the world in the middle of 2018.

Several nations are at odds with each other over words being said.

People groups within nations are at odds with each other, fighting over the meanings of words or how they are said.

A major issue?

Most people are using harsh words and refusing to listen. Everyone is a racist or a bigot or a Nazi or stupid or ignorant …

No one is apparently an image-bearer of God. But they are.

And most people just want to be understood and given assurances they will be okay. We may disagree, but we can gently discuss things.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:18, ESV

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July 7, 2018

Know the Witness

By Daniel M. Klem

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. -Proverbs 14:5, KJV

Yep.

Okay, this verse may be rather obvious, but there really is more to say.

For example, this is a reminder that you can trust people to be who they are. So, do you keep company with those who will tell you the truth, even when it hurts, or with “Yes Men” and chronic liars, those who are always only in it for themselves.

Another line of thinking: how do you respond to each of these people?

Do you lash out at the faithful witness or accept their words?

Do you treat the liar with contempt and hatred or with enough respect for the image of God in them to help protect both of you from the effects of their lies?

If you know their character, it is easier to respond. Always fall back on truth and God’s word, holding yourself and others to that standard.

There is no easy answer for how this is done, and it can depend on each instance with each person, but trusting in our Faithful Father to guide us by His Holy Spirit will be our protection and salvation.

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July 6, 2018

The Fountain of Youth

By Daniel M. Klem

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning away from the snares of death. -Proverbs 14:27

Many stories – movies, books, television shows – have focused on the fountain of youth, the mythical spring/pool that endows those who bathe in/drink from it with healing, restored youth, and enduring vitality.

Similarly, the search for the cup of Christ – the cup Jesus drank from at the last supper and then later collected His blood, therefore having the same qualities as the fountain of youth – has been a perennial story, stretching back to Arthurian legend.

Even the so-called Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s stone – again, restoring and prolonging life – has been a goal for many, and popularized most recently in the “Harry Potter” series.

Many people have dreamt of finding any or all of these, and some of those have tried.

However, these should be understood as what they are stories.

Stories that point to the truth:

Everlasting life is found only through the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, we fear the wrath of God, and then we driven to the cross, where Christ’s sacrifice rescued us from that fate.

This is how “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning away from the snares of death.” The only fountain of life is found in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

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July 5, 2018

Mock Sin & Mock Christ

By Daniel M. Klem

Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. -Proverbs 14:9, KJV

Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance. –Proverbs 14:9, ESV

In a previous entry, Michael discussed the dangers of hanging around with and even engaging others who refuse to believe in God.

One of those reasons is addressed in this verse.

Most people in this world will find it foolish to make atonement for sin, if there even is such a thing! The reasons vary:

  • As stated, there may not be sin. This categorically denied by most people, as they decry injustice, otherwise known as sin.
  • Good outweighs the bad in our lives. However, we can return to the analogy of being before a judge who convicts you on the crime, not your character.
  • Would a good God really condemn people? If he is really loving he would just forgive. Well …

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Hebrews 9:22 ESV

God is good, but He is also just. His justice demanded atonement, and that atonement was achieved fully in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Those who find this truth and believe it will find the imputed favor of God, the acceptance of Jesus.

Don’t mock sin. Mock sin, and you mock Christ’s sacrifice.You are guilty of that sin and in need of That Sacrifice.

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July 2, 2018

How to Find Joy

By Daniel M. Klem

The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
Proverbs 14:10, KJV

A well-known (to this site) pastor recently wrote about the struggles pastors face. Pastors have such a weight they carry that can lead to bitterness that many other people may never understand.

Remember: we pastors hear everyone’s struggles, hurts, wrongs, and sins. We deal with the issues of everyday life for most people we know.

It is easy to see all that is wrong with the world when dealing with everyone else’s issues.

Intermeddling Joy?

The plus side, though, is that most people never feel the joy of seeing God work in those issues, seeing lives change, problems redeemed, and grace and love shine through hurt people.

You may have struggles and pains.

You may know your sin better than anyone, how it affects everything you do.

But if you want real joy, trust God to use you to help another. They may never know how blessed you are by their success over sin and pain, but you will find that joy that only comes from the Lord.

Choose joy by overcoming bitterness. Your own and others’.

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