Peter opened his second general epistle by first stating that he was a bondservant of Jesus Christ before mentioning his apostleship. He humbly recognized that he was first and foremost a servant by choice and an Apostle by divine appointment. We too must recognize...

God does not like it when leaders within His Church misrepresent Him, especially when they do it for personal gain. Sound doctrine and spiritual discernment are vital defenses against these charlatans. Most of a Christian’s rewards are yet future and eternal. Jesus...

God does not like it when leaders within His Church misrepresent Him, especially when they do it for personal gain. Sound doctrine and spiritual discernment are vital defenses against these charlatans. Most of a Christian’s rewards are yet future and eternal. Jesus...

Scripture tells us not to be ashamed of the Gospel. Whenever we are persecuted for sharing the Gospel or a biblical truth, we are not doing anything wrong. However, we should take care not do anything that dishonors or misrepresents the name of the Lord. We should be...

Why would a person that loves Jesus and seeks to live a life that pleases Him, be reproached or even suffer for His Name’s sake? The answer is simple. The world does not want to hear the Master’s message: The Gospel narrows the idea that all roads lead to heaven down...

Our cultural attitudes find the idea of living for someone else to be repulsive. However, in reality, all of us are servants to something in a motivational sense. That is, whatever it may be, something motivates everyone to live, and they are servants of that thing....

Peter admonished his readers to no longer walk in the old ways, which often included drinking, sexual immorality, and idolatry. Though the blood of Jesus protects us from the wrath of God’s judgment, we will have to stand before Jesus one day and make an account of...

Today’s passage teaches some important things about Christ’s sacrifical death. Jesus’ death on the cross was unrepeatable. Jesus’ death on the cross was substitutionary, and His death on the cross was reconciling. That is, Jesus died once for our sins, in our place,...

Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrificial death. He died for sins, but not His own, for He never sinned. He was the only perfect man and the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. As Isaiah wrote: He was wounded for our transgressions . . . bruised for our iniquities and...

Submission in a Christian marriage is all about you and your relationship to God. Any relational conflicts or disturbances in a Christian marriage usually stem from disobedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ, because every time Christians are called to submit to...

In today’s society we see nearly everyone fighting for their own rights. This makes submission an unpopular idea, because society views it from a horizontal perspective rather than a vertical one. Ultimately, every time Christians are called to submit, we are really...

                              Submission is not an act of worship to the person in authority. We are worshiping and honoring God when we submit to His appointed leaders, whether they are in our...

Peter exhorted us to live lives of separation from carnal lusts and worldly systems. For example, we should not behave as worldly people that give more honor to the rich, beautiful, or educated than those who were endowed with less. However, we are oblidged to submit...

Jesus is the Stone that saves some and causes others to stumble. To the Christian, He is the Precious Cornerstone of our faith, but to the world, Jesus is not precious at all. One cannot use popular opinion to judge something’s value. The world was wrong about Jesus...

In Peter’s first letter to the scattered, persecuted followers of Jesus, he reminded them of who they were in Christ to encourage and refocus them. Back in the 60's, the hippies were constantly trying to “find themselves.” Many sought the “help” of psychedelic drugs...

A person going through hard times is vulnerable to Satan’s lies. Too many times, people just throw up their hands in frustration, and say, “What’s the use?” Then they try to comfort their flesh, rather than feeding their spirit. Instead, mature Christians should...

Peter viewed suffering Christians as people in a battle. Suffering is a weapon that can be wielded for good or evil, depending on who holds the sword. In the enemy’s hands, it is a heat-seeking missile sent to destroy us: Suffering seeks to disorient us so that we...

Scripture tells us that the ways of this world, many of which seem right to carnally-minded men, end in destruction. However, you can have living hope in Jesus Christ, because He rose from the dead. If you abide in Christ in this life, your eternal destiny is certain...

Peter wrote two general epistles to Jewish believers that were dispersed throughout the known world. He reminded his scattered brethren that it is God’s sovereign power that keeps them, even in times of persecution. In truth, the only way that the devil can get a...

The Proverbs conclude with a description of a virtuous woman. However, many aspects of her character would be desirable for anyone: man, woman, married or single, and even children. We should all consider what her example teaches us all about living one’s life in fear...

Todays’ passage contains the wise teachings of King Lemuel’s mother. She advised him to avoid the pitfalls of excessive drinking and loose behavior. His mother encouraged him to stand for justice and to use his power to protect those who could not protect themselves....

Agur prayed that God would keep falsehood and lies far from him, and to give him neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. This reflects a desire for honesty and contentment, avoiding the temptations that come with both extreme wealth and extreme poverty....

Human wisdom is very limited. Today’s passage teaches us to humbly pursue knowledge of God and understanding of His divine wisdom. Like the human author of today’s passage, we must recognize that, without the Holy Spirit’s illumination, we could have no real knowledge...

All people in God’s creation are equal in His eyes. For example, both the poor and the oppressor receive their sight from the Lord. This is the basis of fair judgment, and there are consequences for neglecting justice, especially when the rich and powerful abuse or...

Today’s passage emphasizes the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of accepting correction. It also highlights the impact of righteous and wicked leadership on society: People rejoice under just rulers but suffer under corrupt ones. Just rulers have godly...

God gives joy and blessings to those that live by His precepts. It is wise to trust the Lord. Those who fear God and do not harden their heart toward Him will find happiness and mercy. This is not the case for wicked people. Therefore, it is sometimes appropriate to...

Today’s passage emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and understanding. Solomon contrasted the outcomes of those who follow the law and live righteously with those who engage in wickedness and deceit. Those who walk in wisdom and fear the Lord will find...

Today’s passage presents timeless wisdom on leading a life of righteousness, integrity, and wisdom. It reminds us that we will thrive if we strive for righteousness and justice, trust in the Lord, and live with god-inspired wisdom and integrity. Those who choose a...

As iron sharpens iron, today’s passage emphasizes the value of mutual improvement through fellowship with other Christians. Also, diligent stewardship is a key to financial health, but material wealth cannot fully satisfy. True worth is found in godly character, which...

Today’s passage provides practical and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of humility, genuine friendship, and diligent work. Solomon cautioned against boasting about the future, and he highlighted the value of honest rebuke over flattery. He also underscored...

Today’s passage provides practical and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of humility, genuine friendship, and diligent work. Solomon cautioned against boasting about the future, and he highlighted the value of honest rebuke over flattery. He also underscored...

Today’s passage warns against meddling in the disputes of others, comparing it to grabbing a stray dog by the ears. Gossip is also dangerous, as it fuels quarrels just like wood fuels a fire—don’t allow yourself to become a fuel source! Additionally, be on the alert...

Today’s passage emphasizes the power of patience and gentle speech in persuading others and resolving conflicts. Moreover, we should practice moderation in all things, and never give a false testimony. The end of today’s passage emphasizes the importance of...

Today’s passage offers wisdom on humility and conflict resolution. Solomon advised against self-promotion, and he encouraged his children to resolve disputes privately to maintain respect and trust. He also used metaphors to highlight the importance of moderation and...

Today’s passage offers timeless wisdom on leadership, humility, and self-control. We should seek truth and justice, while being humble in the presence of authority, and we should be prudent when resolving disputes. Everyone needs the guidance of God’s Spirit so that...

Today’s passage likens wisdom to honey: It is sweet to the soul and rewarding. Those who find godly wisdom have a future filled with a hope that will not be cut off. Scripture encourages us to diligently seek godly wisdom, emphasizing its value and the promise it...

Today’s passage emphasizes the value of godly wisdom, understanding, and righteousness over material wealth and worldly power. Solomon encouraged his children to have integrity, to work hard, and to act justly. Ultimately, God is the final judge that rewards everyone...

Today’s passage advises against envying sinners and excessive eating, drinking, or the pursuit of earthly pleasures. These behaviors lead to poverty, and can result in one’s heart straying from the Lord. Immorality and drunkenness can lead to strange visions,...

Disciplince, self-control, and honesty are hallmarks of a godly life. As parents and grandparents, we should make a serious effort to instill these virtures into subsequent generations, even if it means lovingly using the rod of correction. Please open your Bible to...

Today’s passage offers guidance on living a life of wisdom and integrity, with emphasis the on self-control and respect for parents. God’s inspired words warn us about wealth’s deceptive allure and the dangers of envy, gluttony, and alcohol abuse. We should embrace...

Today’s passage emphasizes the value of integrity, the importance of guiding and disciplining children, and the blessings of righteousness. It warns us not to oppress the poor and encourages us to listen to the wisdom of the wise. The passage concludes with a warning...

Today’s passage offers guidance on raising children, advocating for the early establishment of a righteous path that, if followed, endures a lifetime. These verses collectively emphasize the lasting impact of a good upbringing, the virtues of patience and fairness,...

  Today’s passage speaks of the high value of a good reputation that is born of godly character, and God blesses righteous living. However, no matter how good a person is, they must seek refuge in Christ Jesus, because, without His imputed righteousness, no one...

Today’s passage highlights the moral imperative of caring for the needy. It warns that those who ignore the cries of the poor will themselves be unheard in their time of need. Solomon also reminded us that human power is insignificant compared with divine judgment,...

Today’s passage reveals God’s sovereignty over human affairs, including the hearts of rulers. While a person might think that their actions seem right, it is God that judges their intentions, and He determines their consequences. Ultimately, true wisdom and victory...

Today’s passage emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and wisdom, and warns us to stay away from dishonesty and laziness. God wants us to have respect for authority, whether that authority is our parents or our government. However, God’s authority trumps...

Today’s passage offers wisdom from Solomon on leading a life of integrity, with an emphasis on honesty, hard work, and the fear of the Lord. He also counsels us to avoid fleeting pleasures such as those associated with inebriation. However, it is only faith in the...

Today’s passage contains more Spirit-inspired wisdom from Solomon. For example, God’s sovereign plans will always eclipse human designs. From the rise and fall of nations to the intricate details of our lives, God’s unwavering purpose prevails, and He is inviting you...

Today’s passage teaches us the value of godly character which is marked by integrity, patience, discipline, and a forgiving heart. In contrast, there are harsh consequences for folly or godlessness. We will also see that the benefits of wealth are fleeting, but...

Today’s passage contrasts the attitudes and outcomes of the wicked and the righteous in various aspects of life, such as management of finances, speech, friendship, and justice. The wicked rely on their own resources, express their folly, isolate themselves, and face...

Today’s passage emphasizes the power of the word, and the importance of wise speech in shaping life and relationships. Solomon contrasted the folly of isolation with the value of true companionship, and underscored the need for humility and discernment. Fools do not...

Today’s passage emphasizes wisdom, discipline, and understanding in human behavior. Solomon warned against folly and the consequences of evil actions, while highlighting the value of a calm spirit and a discerning heart. He also underscored the importance of godly...

Today’s passage contrasts the peace found in simple living with the strife that can accompany wealth, and it underscores the folly of repaying kindness with evil. This is not to be confused with God refining His children through trials. Such trials teach us the value...

Today’s passage reveals secrets of living a wise and honorable life in a world full of challenges and temptations. God is in control of everything, and we should trust Him and follow His ways. The Lord wants us to be humble, honest, prudent, and self-controlled. We...

Today’s passage teaches us about God’s sovereignty, the value of wisdom, the importance of humility, and the consequences of pride. While people can make their own plans, it is ultimately God that directs their steps and determines their outcomes. Therefore, we should...

Today’s passage invites us to discover godly wisdom that leads to life and joy. God loves us and disciplines us for our good. Therefore, we should humble ourselves and fear Him. We should use our words to bless and not to curse. We should seek and give wise counsel,...

Today’s passage contrasts the broad and narrow ways of which Jesus spoke in His Sermon on the Mount. However, we will be hearing about Solomon’s wise words that contrasted the ways of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the gentle and the...

Today’s passage contrasts the consequences of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, and generosity and oppression. Those that fear the Lord will act prudently, and they will be kind to the poor. Such people will find life, security, and honor. However, those...

Today’s passage invites us to reflect on the choices we make and the paths we take in life. Scripture encourages us to seek wisdom, integrity, truth, and reverence for God, as these are the sources of lasting happiness and fulfillment. We should avoid folly,...

Scripture tells us that there are only two paths that a person can follow. A wise person will choose the path that leads to God and eternal life. However, many people, even some that mean well, are on a different path that leads to death. Do you know which path that...

A person’s attitude toward God’s word is a matter of life and death. Despising the word of the Lord is like pushing a self-destruct button. However, God will abundantly reward those that trust in His word and obey His commandments to love God and to love our neighbor....

Today’s passage reminds us of the power of words: not only the words that we say, but also the words to which we listen. Therefore, we should be careful about what we say, and also use care in choosing what we hear. Listening to God’s word and obeying His commandments...

Today’s passage contrasts outcomes for the righteous and the wicked, the diligent and the lazy, the wise and the foolish. It teaches that those who work hard, speak truthfully, listen to advice, and care for others will have abundant life and favor from the Lord....

Today’s passage provides godly wisdom about discipline, righteousness, honesty, diligence, and friendship. As seen before, the Lord blesses those who follow His ways and that live with integrity. However, He will condemn those who do evil and lie. Accordingly, the...

Today’s passage reveals the power of righteousness and the downfall of wickedness in different aspects of life. We should avoid the risks of being surety for a stranger. Neither should we be ruthless, deceitful, perverse, or greedy. Instead, we shoud be merciful,...

Today’s passage reveals how to live a blessed and joyful life. God loves those who are honest, humble, generous, and faithful; He will reward such people with His favor and protection. In contrast, God hates those who are wicked, proud, greedy, and dishonest; He will...

Many passages in Proverbs contrast righteousness and wickedness. Today’s passage emphasizes the value of wisdom, integrity, diligence, and love, and warns against the pitfalls of folly, violence, laziness, and hatred. Please open your Bible to Proverbs ten, and listen...

Today’s passage reminds us that the starting point for all true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It has been said that, because Christians know God and His word, they can see more on their knees than others can see on their tiptoes. That is why the Apostles gave a high...

The way in which a man receives rebuke is an index of his character. Wicked people will turn on you and assault you verbally and sometimes even physically. However, a just man will be greatful, because he realizes that godly correction makes him even wiser. Please...

Today’s passage contrasts wisdom and folly. Wisdom invites the simple to come and eat of her bread and drink of her wine, promising life to whomever listens. In contrast, folly is like a loud and seductive woman who calls to passersby, inviting them to eat stolen...

Fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Today’s passage lists many benefits of godly wisdom, including sound judgment, length of days, enduring riches coupled with honor and righteousness, and godly character that is worth more than gold or silver. Moreover,...

Whereas the previous chapter concerned an adultress calling out to the sons of men, today’s passage describes wisdom, personified as a woman, constantly inviting men to follow her. She also provides compelling reasons for doing so. Please open your Bible to Proverbs...

For a married person, a strange man or woman is anyone that is not your spouse. All the rest are off limits! For singles, realize that no gracious, modest person is brash, loud, and aggressive. If you are looking for someone with whom you should start a family, look...

Today’s passage warns young people not to ruin their lives by immorality. Instead, they should treasure God’s word, because obedience to His moral and spiritual precepts is the only pathway to abundant living and eternal life. God’s word will work for anyone that...

God’s word should be a significant part of our daily lives, and it should accompany us and guide us wherever we go. Heartfelt obedience to His precepts is evidence that His word is working in and through us. Today’s passage once again emphasizes the importance of...

In today’s passage, Solomon warned his son about what we would call con men: Malicious swindlers that mask their treacherous hearts with cunning smiles. They are always plotting mischief and sowing discord, and they personify seven things that God hates. Therefore,...

In addition to prophecy and doctrine, God’s word also contains some very practical wisdom for our daily lives. Today’s passage warns its readers to avoid making themselves liable for the financial debts of another. Besides the obvious financial risk, being a surety...

By divine design, marriage is the lifelong union between one man and one woman. Couples that maintain their vows of fidelity will know God’s blessings on them and their children. However, people that disregard Scripture’s warnings about promiscuity and infidelity will...

In today’s passage, Solomon warned his children about the dangers of sexual promiscuity and marital infidelity. With pornography being a multi-billion dollar industry in this country, Solomon’s advice is just as relevant today as it was when he imparted this godly...

Today’s passage contrasts the way of darkness with the way of light. The father warned his child to avoid alliances with evil companions. His exhortations against joining up with unrighteous people do not forbid our witnessing to them, but they do forbid any...

In counseling his own son, Solomon quoted things that his father, King David, had told him. A godly legacy, born of example-backed words, is one of the best things that we can give to our children. Above all, David wanted Solomon to get wisdom and understanding, which...

Today’s passage concerns a father instructing his child in the ways of godly wisdom. Though these words were spoken centuries ago, they are still relevant today. Christian parents and children alike will find these words invaluable as they strive to live godly lives...

A couple ways that a person can honor the Lord is to give of our substance to support the spreading of the Gospel and to minister to those in need. Another way is to submit to the Lord’s discipline, because everything that God allows to come into our lives has a...

Today’s passage cautions us not to be wise in our own eyes. Conceit, which is pride, elevates our own ideas above God’s way. Whereas God’s way leads to health and peaceful contentment, man’s way results in fear, guilt, hatred, sickness, and sorrow. Please open your...

Wisdom, like a godly parent, wants the best for her children. One can only live one’s best life, which benefits from divine favor, by obeying principles set forth in God’s word. Therefore, in today’s passage, Wisdom pleads with her child to remember God’s precepts...

Life is full of traps. Godly discretion helps us to avoid them. Christians enjoy well-guarded lives, because God’s word equips us to avoid Satan’s snares that he baits with things that appeal to our pride or that tempt us with lustful pleasure. Hunger and thirst after...

Today’s passage contains a father’s speech to his son, describing how to acquire wisdom, the benefits one can expect from such a pursuit, and how wisdom protects a person from the temptations of wicked men and forbidden women. These ancient words of wisdom were...

Satan is our enemy, and he has many cunning traps that he uses to entice or pressure people to become ensnared in them. Fortunately, God’s word exposes the many traps he has set for us, and He offers us the wisdom to avoid them. Unfortunately, we are sometimes drawn...

If a person wants to be wise, then it makes logical sense for that person to trust their Creator and to follow His instructions. On the other hand, only a fool would reject God’s word and live by his own wits. The wisest thing that you can do is to repent of your...

Solomon was Israel’s wisest and richest king. Though he spoke three thousand proverbs, only a fraction of them appear in inspired Scripture. He wrote the proverbs of Scripture to provide practical wisdom for the living and management of life’s affairs, and to discern...

Today’s passage ends with one of the most read and loved stories in all of Scripture: the wedding of Ruth and Boaz. Coincidence? No! Providence. What we have before us in this short book is a lesson about God’s sovereign hand at work in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and...

It is doubtful that Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz were aware of the full purpose and importance of their God-honoring decisions. Like us, they would wake up every morning, pray, and live out their faith in God. Seek to live your life for God’s glory and watch God’s providence...

Scripture portrays Ruth and Boaz as paragons of virtue. Rather than pursue relationships with young men, Ruth, out of respect for Naomi and her deceased husband, offered herself to a much older relative. Boaz, though entitled by law, did not force himself upon Ruth,...

The Book of Ruth contains many images of Christ and the Christian life. In one of those images, Naomi sought rest in a God-ordained marriage for Ruth to a kinsman redeemer named Boaz. This parallels a sinner entering into rest when they cease from their own works and...

Some believe that spirituality can replace hard work. However, Ruth did not sit at home praying for food when she knew that God’s Law allowed her to glean in the fields. Ruth was a hard-working, virtuous woman, which probably did as much to catch Boaz’s attention as...

To provide for herself and Naomi, her mother-in-law, Ruth went out to glean in the fields. According to God’s sovereign plan, Ruth unknowlingly chose to glean in a field owned by Boaz, who was a close relative of Naomi. Her choice and the favor of Boaz played a key...

Many words had surely been exchanged that are not recorded in Scripture, but Naomi’s first recorded words after returning to Judea are so revealing. Her soul was filled with bitterness, and she blamed God for all that had gone wrong. Bitterness, whether it is a single...

Today we begin a new series on the book of Ruth. This book is not so much about the woman for whom it isnamed, but it is about the typological portrayal of Jesus Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer and the Church’s Bridegroom. The story opens during a famine in the days of...

While few of God’s children are called to live Christian lives that are as dramatic as Paul’s, we are all called to live what’s been named by some The Glorious Exchanged Life, which is this: Jesus died to save my soul, and now I die, to live for Him. Every follower of...