There are so many common sayings that we use in everyday language that come directly from the bible. Like “pride before a fall” found in today’s reading of Proverbs.
Proverbs 16:
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favour is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbour and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Things to think about…
1. Does anything happen by chance? Prov 16 begins and ends with two situations that you might think would be open to self-will and chance – the meditations of a man’s heart and the lot that is thrown. Yet the answer that comes from the mouth and the decision of the lot that is thrown according to Prov 16:1&16 are “from the Lord”. Do we then decide anything? Is flipping a coin or rolling a dice ever random? What about the decisions we make? If not, what does this mean for us as Christians who have a commission to ‘go and make disciples’. This tension can be summed up in the following phrase, “We are responsible (and therefore accountable), but God is sovereign over all”.
2. Have a look at the promise in Prov 16:3! What plans do you have at the moment? Are they committed to the Lord! The promise is that God will see them fulfilled. Praise the Lord! Stop doubting and believe.
3. Pride goes before a fall – Prov 16:18. There are so many common sayings that come directly from the proverbs and the bible generally. The promise that comes with considering the ‘Word’ of God in Prov 16:20 says we are blessed as we trust in Him. The blessing of the Holy Spirit and supernatural provision happens for those who read and obey God’s word.
4. Do you want to see someone’s health improve, both in body and soul? Encourage them with gracious words, Prov 16:24! That’s the promise! Why not phone, text or visit someone today and do just that. With all the bad news we receive in online feeds and elsewhere, encouragement in Christ is desperately needed.
5. Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death”, was quoted last Sunday. This is why we need Christ’s wisdom rather than earthly wisdom and knowledge alone. This makes the difference for Christians in their decision making as Spurgeon rightly discerned between “knowing the difference between ‘right’ and ‘almost right’”.
6. Having ‘grey hair’, is not a blessing just by itself. Solomon says “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life”, vs 31. The righteous life is the key. Having children, grand children and possibly great grand children around you in your final years, days and breathes sounding your praises and singing to the Lord brings no higher earthly joy to the saint who has honoured the Lord over their long life, who then departs into eternity.
7. There is no such thing as an accident or a coincidence in the light of the truth of God’s sovereignty, Prov 16:33.
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 “The only desire to have” – Reading Proverbs 12:18-29
1. Discuss your understanding of the current news cycle and how we get information. Is it effective in promoting context and truth on any given topic? Discuss.
2. What is the difference between intelligence and wisdom? Reading the bible is surely a good thing, but does the practise always bring wisdom? Discuss.
3. The Apostle Paul mentions wisdom in a different way to Solomon. Read 1Cor 1:19-27. Spurgeon said “Discernment is not knowing the difference between ‘right and wrong’, it is knowing the difference between ‘right’ and ‘almost right’”. Discuss.
4. Jay asked that you do a self-assessment on the amount of time you read, study the scriptures or put on praise music, podcasts etc that are good for your soul as opposed to watching Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn etc. Discuss.
Prayer Points
1. Sally Gauntlett and dear Richard. Sally has Covid.
2. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
3. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing.
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. More new folk came to CBC on Sunday.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou and technical team.
3. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
4. 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.
