More practical wisdom from the Proverbs today – be blessed.
Proverbs 20:
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
3 It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarrelling.
4 The sluggard does not plough in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous who walks in his integrity--- blessed are his children after him!
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"?
10 Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the LORD has made them both.
13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts.
15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.
24 A man's steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?
25 It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts.
28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29 The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendour of old men is their grey hair.
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.
Proverbs 21:
1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbour finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
24 "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labour.
26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Things to think about…
1. Prov 20:1 is very true. It is grieving to see on the back of a ute the words “Rum Pig”. I have no doubt this is true, they become pigs after consuming rum. Fools are not a recent phenomenon in this world. Verse 2 generally sorts these people out. In our day this is generally left to the work of the police.
2. Men can be very difficult to read, Prov 20:5. But men are called to lead with integrity. This is why it is important to get to the heart of what drives a man. Do you know any men who struggle with sharing their true selves with others? Pray about introducing them to other wise men who can draw them out. The church has an important role to play in this regard.
3. As Solomon rightly points out, no-one can say “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin", Prov 20:9. But those of us in Christ can say “though I have sin, it is forgiven in Christ, I now have peace in my heart”.
4. The heart of a child, Prov 20:11, the heart of a man, Prov 20:24, 27 and the heart of the king, Prov 21:1 are all known by the Lord and are directed by Him. Regardless of our position or rank in life, the Lord carries out His plans for His good pleasure. Does this frighten or comfort you? What about when things seem to be in utter chaos and are not going to your plans, plans which you may have committed to the Lord? Resting in God’s sovereignty brings an abiding light and peace even when the days are dark and in turmoil.
5. Have a look at Prov 21:14. Two secret things are spoken about, a gift and a bribe. One is loved and one is hated by the Lord. The challenge for those of us who name the name of Christ is to be humble enough to give in secret and bless others, but to also be bold enough to expose wickedness and honour the Lord. What role do our personalities play here? What role should they play? Is it enough to say, “well I am not a bold person therefore I cannot stand up in certain situations”. Whose image are we conforming to? While Christ did not break a bruised reed or quench a smoking flax, He made a whip and turned over tables while boldly declaring His zeal for the house of the Lord. Pray for discernment to know how and when to act according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
6. Do you know anyone who is in a situation described in Prov 21:9, 19? I.E. men who live with quarrelsome wives? Such women are not only a pain to live with in the house, but they are also a pain in the church! If you find one, do us all a favour and rebuke her – with love and grace of course. Let’s encourage men in these situations to love their wives enough to honour the Lord by standing against sin in their houses.
7. Lazy people, especially men who are primarily called to provide for their families, find themselves living on the charity of others, yet even this craving is never fulfilled, Prov 21:25, 26. The righteous however, give and have no lack.
8. Prov 21:30 is of immense comfort to me. How about you? Seek after Christ’s wisdom that can never be overthrown.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Two cities same message – Reading Joel 2, Nahum 3
1. Minor prophets speak about two cities – Joel – Zion and Nahum – Nineveh. What is your understanding of Nineveh’s history? 100 years after revival Nahum speaks of judgement. Why? What message is here for the church?
2. Joel 2 speaks of judgement that will come upon Zion – Judah in general and Jerusalem in particular. But there is a significant difference between the final outcome of Zion’s fortunes as opposed to Nineveh’s fortunes. Discuss.
3. Joel 2 finishes with what will happen during the later days of Zion with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Joel 2:28-32. These verses are of course echoed by Peter in Acts 2:16-21 at Pentecost. They have had a partial fulfillment at Pentecost, but have not been fully fulfilled. Discuss what relevance this is to the church and as Christians individually.
4. Pray for each other.
Prayer Points
1. Many have covid now. Pray as it finally runs its course through the community.
2. Continue to pray for Sally Gauntlett and dear Richard.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Doug’s preaching at such short notice
2. Many returning back to full health.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Suzy, Zac, Richard, Bec, and Tim.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for July...
Q.6. What will become of the wicked on the day of judgment? A. They shall be cast into hell.
