The wise and the foolish are further contrasted in today’s reading.
Proverbs 18:
1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonour comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honour.
13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarrelling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the LORD.
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19:
1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favour of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
7 All a poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarrelling is a continual dripping of rain.
14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die.
17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.
19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.
Things to think about…
1. The first verse in Prov 18:1 is so true. We should never isolate ourselves because it leads to thinking that our opinion is of greater worth than anyone else’s. The result is verse 2. The fool sprouts out his opinion. This is common in society, but needs to die in the church.
2. Prov 18:4 - Our words have an impact. Wise words give life.
3. We can endure illness Prov 18:14, but have a look at why we need to encourage each other, ‘a crushed spirit, who can bear’. The answer of course is nobody. Let’s be known for our building up of others. The Aussie spirit needs some help in this regard. Let’s be the catalyst! Who can you encourage today?
4. Always hear both sides, Prov 18:17. Verse 19 is a bane to society and the death knell for a church. Let’s be more like Prov 18:21. How true is verse 22 for those who have the blessing of a godly wife!?
5. Sadly the verses found in Prov 19:1-4, 6, 7 are true. The poor person does not have many friends in this world. This is where the church can make a difference. Jesus of course was a friend and an advocate for the poor. Better to conform to Him than to the world.
6. Prov 19:11 is very true. Let’s try and be forgiving of others, since we have been forgiven so much.
7. We have found Prov 19:18 to be true in our house over the years. It seems especially true for boys!
8. Prov 19:22-29 speaks by and large about wisdom and wealth as opposed to the fool and poverty. Our age is one where discipline of the fool and tolerance of ignorance are at profoundly disturbing levels. Christ’s wisdom and grace are to be actively pursued in every sphere of influence that the Christian has available at their disposal.
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.
