OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for May 2017
June 1, 2017
Proverbs 18:17 – He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
Thought: The first person to present his case makes his cause seem credible. He seems honest and sincere. He has been slighted. He has been done wrong. He has been taken advantage of by another. However, the just always remember that there are two sides to every story. Before coming to conclusions, there must be an investigation. The other side of the story must be heard. It is both wrong and dangerous to hear only one side of the matter.
Acts 24:12-13
June 2, 2017
Proverbs 18:18 – The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Thought: The lot was an important tool in Bible times. It involves the casting of different types, sizes, and colors of stones. When these stones fell a certain way, they determined answers to various questions and disputes. They helped individuals make decisions. This casting of lots caused many contentions to come to an end. They allowed the mighty to part without war and the shedding of blood. It was believed that the lot fell in certain ways due to divine intervention.
I Samuel 14:42
June 3, 2017
Proverbs 18:19 – A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Thought: Everyone has experienced the truth of this proverb. We have had disagreements with family, friends, and brothers in Christ. The conflict brought division. Instead of being easy to heal, it seems that it was a fatal blow to the relationship. It would be easier to conquer a walled city that to win the offended brother. These individuals have set their contentions between you and themselves. Their contentions are bars that cannot be penetrated. Some of these divisions will never find reconciliation regardless of how hard one party may try.
Genesis 37:18-20
June 4, 2017
Proverbs 18:20 – A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Thought: The manner in which we communicate with others is extremely important. Our words can either give us increase or can bring us to poverty. Those who learn to be kind, loving, and gracious with their words will increase. Those who use words that are crude, wicked, and disgusting will be brought low. My friend, choose your words wisely!
Matthew 13:54
June 5, 2017
Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Thought: The tongue is a small, but powerful, member of the body. The inspired writer says that it has the power of life and death. It has the power to build or destroy. It has the power to comfort or humiliate. It has the power to exhort or to condemn. Learning to bridle the tongue is extremely important. Those who master the tongue will eat of the fruit thereof.
Romans 10:14-15
June 6, 2017
Proverbs 18:22 – Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.
Thought: Wives are God’s solution to man’s aloneness. They are an “help” meet for him. As the Scriptures declare: “Two are better than one.” The writer is here speaking of a wife who seeks to live up to the ideals of Scripture. She is a godly woman. She is like unto the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She is not perfect, but she is righteous. A man who finds such a woman is truly blessed by God.
Genesis 2:21-23
June 7, 2017
Proverbs 18:23 – The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
Thought: The poor cannot afford to be rough and mean. They are dependent upon others for assistance. Thus, they cry out with gentle entreaties. The rich, however, see their wealth as something they have produced. They did not beg from others. They worked for what they received. Thus, they answer the beggar roughly. The rich, however, need to be reminded that their riches are a blessing from God. Too, only the merciful will receive mercy.
I Timothy 6:17-19
June 8, 2017
Proverbs 18:24 – A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Thought: There is no magic formula for obtaining friends. If you want a friend, you must be friendly to another. Most people will respond positively to friendly gestures and acts of kindness. There is an incentive for obtaining friends. There are some friends who become closer to us than our own family. They will love us more and will care for us more than our own siblings.
I Samuel 18:1-4
June 9, 2017
Proverbs 19:1 – Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Thought: The fool in this verse is a rich fool. He stands in contrast to the poor. Because of his self-sufficiency, he thinks he does not need God. In fact, he does not hesitate to speak against God. These individuals believe they are better than others, especially the poor. However, the inspired writer tells us that the poor is better because he walks in his integrity. He is honest. He trusts in God. He lives his life in harmony with God’s truth. Yes, he is the better man.
James 2:5-6
June 10, 2017
Proverbs 19:2 – Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet, sinneth.
Thought: Knowledge of spiritual things is crucial for the soul of man. It guides and protects man as he walks through this dark world. Those without knowledge rush on in life. They accept false teachings. They follow forbidden and dangerous paths. They associate with evil individuals. They need to slow down and acquire knowledge. The life they are living is not good. They are walking in sin and rebellion against their God.
Romans 10:1-3
June 11, 2017
Proverbs 19:3 – The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
Thought: Man often refuses to trust in the Lord. When he does, he shows himself to be foolish. Too, he quickly finds that his way is perverted. His way is hard and difficult. There is hardship and poverty. When this happens, he must have someone to blame. Does he blame himself? Absolutely not! Instead, his heart rails against God. He blames God for his demise. He will never admit that he is the fabricator of his own ruin.
Genesis 3:9-12
June 12, 2017
Proverbs 19:4 – Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.
Thought: Money has many unique abilities. One of them is the power to draw people to the person who has it. Poverty also has power. It has a tendency to drive people away from the poor. Money tempts the greed of man that lies deep in the heart. Poverty causes the selfish to want to keep that which they have. Yes, the greedy are draw to the rich in hopes of having more. And, the selfish separate themselves from the poor lest they have to give up what they have.
Job 19:13-16
June 13, 2017
Proverbs 19:5 – A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Thought: Lying lips are one of the things that God’s abhors. Those who tell lies will not escape the judgment and wrath of God. Their lies harm the innocent. Their lies seek to undermine the truth. The character of these individuals is directly opposed to God whose nature is truth. If a person will contemplate the end of those who lie, he will heed the admonition that says: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.”
Acts 5:3-5
June 14, 2017
Proverbs 19:6 – Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Thought: Those who are in positions of power and those who possess large bank accounts draw the attention of the masses. People are very selfish. They want the powerful and the rich to assist them and protect them. They enjoy the attention they receive from being associated with the wealthy and powerful. There are times when the rich and powerful are deceived, but most of the time they can recognize a hypocrite and a charlatan.
Genesis 43:15
June 15, 2017
Proverbs 19:7 – All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him! He purseth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Thought: In this verse, the actions of men toward the poor are contrasted with the actions of men toward the rich in the previous verse. The poor are not loved. Many will do all they can to keep themselves at a distance from the poor. The poor cry out, but there is no help. Some may even promise assistance, but there is no relief given.
Luke 18:38-39
June 16, 2017
Proverbs 19:8 – He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Thought: The inspired writer constantly reminds his readers of the need for wisdom and the good that comes from it. The man that acquires divine wisdom loves his own soul. The purpose of the law is to convert and save the souls of men. Those who refuse wisdom show little care for the most precious thing they possess, their soul. In addition, the man who keeps understanding finds good in this life. His way is always bright and filled with blessings.
Psalm 19:7-11
June 17, 2017
Proverbs 19:9 – A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Thought: This same thought was stated by the inspired writer just a few verses earlier. Repeating it helps the reader to understand the evil of lying. A false witness lies about the innocent. He perverts justice. He supports those who are evil. He, and all others who speak lies, shall not be unpunished. They shall not escape the wrath of God. They shall perish. Let all liars beware!
Deuteronomy 19:16-19
June 18, 2017
Proverbs 19:10 – Delight is not seemingly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Thought: The word “delight” is defined as “luxury. The fool is the silly and stupid person. We have all witnessed the foolish who obtain wealth and extravagance. Their wealth only adds to their foolishness. Sometimes their foolishness is difficult to watch. It is not something that is seemly or becoming or attractive. In like manner, it is not becoming when a slave is exalted over princes. The order of things is perverted. However, most of the time, the princes are to blame for the slave’s exaltation.
Isaiah 5:11-12
June 19, 2017
Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Thought: So many in today’s world are quick to get angry. Too many are ready to seek revenge upon others who do them wrong. We read of the effects of these actions every day in the news. Anger is unleashed. Revenge comes upon a person’s enemies. The outcomes are not pleasant. Death and destruction are the end result. Many get hurt in the process. The anger and revenge change nothing. Better is it if a man defers his anger and passes over a transgression. Life and peace are the results of these godly actions.
Romans 12:18-21
June 20, 2017
Proverbs 19:12 – The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
Thought: Rulers have great power at their disposal. This power enables them to do good. It also enables them to strike out in wrath. When a king is angry, his response can be liken unto a roaring lion. He can maim and destroy all in his path. However, those who win his favor are greatly blessed. The blessings they receive can be likened unto the dew of an early morning upon the grass. It is wise, therefore, to stay in the king’s favor.
Ecclesiastes 8:4
June 21, 2017
Proverbs 19:13 – A foolish son is a calamity to his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
Thought: The home can either bring joy to a man’s life or sorrow. Much of it is based on the actions of others in the home. A stubborn and rebellious son is constantly in trouble. He brings shame to the family name. Too, a contentious wife harms the harmony of the home. She can never be happy. She is never satisfied. She can always find something wrong. Both relationships make the home a horror instead of a haven for the man.
Proverbs 27:15
June 22, 2017
Proverbs 19:14 – House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Thought: Blessings come from many different places. A house and riches are often passed down by a father to his children. There are some blessings, however, that come directly from God. One of these is a “prudent wife.” The word “prudent” means “wise, circumspect, insightful, understanding, having insight, and acting wisely.” The prudent woman is intelligent, self-controlled, and godly in demeanor. She is a blessing to her husband. This gift causes houses and riches to pale in comparison.
Genesis 24:7
June 23, 2017
Proverbs 19:15 – Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
Thought: Slothfulness is laziness. It has no benefits for man. Those who laze around only get lazier. Their laziness does not bring strength. It only casts them into a deeper sleep. Those who are lazy will not work. These individuals suffer hunger because of their idleness. Those who tend to be slothful need to arise, go to work, and fight off the evil consequences of slothfulness.
Proverbs 20:13
June 24, 2017
Proverbs 19:16 – He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that depiseth his ways shall die.
Thought: Keeping the commandments of God is frowned upon in some circles. The wise writer did not frown upon such action. He says those that keep the commandments of God “keep” their own soul. The word “keepeth” means “to guard.” It involves placing a wall of protection around one’s soul. This is very wise when one considers that his soul is his most important possession. Those who treat the Lord’s commands with contempt will eventually die spiritually.
Jeremiah 7:23
June 25, 2017
Proverbs 19:17 – He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Thought: The laws of giving are very interesting. We usually believe that the only way to have something it to save it. However, the Lord promises us that if we are liberal givers that we will have. Often, we will have in great abundance. Because this is contrary to human reason, many will not practice it. Try it. It is a divine law. “…that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Isaiah 58:10-11
June 26, 2017
Proverbs 19:18 – Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Thought: One of the most difficult jobs of parenting involves discipline. This is especially true in our society. Pop-psychology tells us that strict discipline, especially spanking, is detrimental to the child. Since, we live in a “feelings” society, many are guided by how they feel at the moment. When a child needs discipline, but the child makes the parent feel sad for him or guilty for wanting to discipline the child, often discipline is withheld. Dear readers, there is only a brief window of time when discipline is beneficial. Do not waste it.
Hebrews 12:7-10
June 27, 2017
Proverbs 19:19 – A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
Thought: When wrath is bottled inside a person, it is very difficult to diffuse. Even punishment does not cause the anger to cease. Sometimes, punishment only heats it to a higher degree. Those who seek to deliver an angry man from his punishment will find that they must do it time after time after time. Anger is a powerful emotion. It is difficult to put out once it is ignited. It is often never satisfied.
Proverbs 22:24-25
June 28, 2017
Proverbs 19:20 – Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Thought: We have all heard the expression: “Two heads are better than one.” We are often short-sighted. We also often act on impulse. Feelings seem to play a big part in many decisions that we make. Too, we do not always possess the knowledge we need to make a wise decision. Therefore, it is essential to receive counsel from others. Those who do will be “wise in thy latter end.” Few mistakes will be made. Prosperity and happiness will be the result.
Proverbs 1:25-30
June 29, 2017
Proverbs 19:21 – There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
Thought: Strong defines the word “devices” as “contrivances” or “plots.” Brown, Driver, and Briggs says the words means “thoughts,” “inventions,” or “plans.” The thoughts, contrivances, and inventions of man are often intended to thwart the teachings of the Lord. They are feeble attempts to do away with the authority of God. Regardless of man’s attempts to release himself from God’s Word, “the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” It will remain a light that shines from the shore regardless of the storms of rebellion man brings against it.
Isaiah 14:26-27
June 30, 2017
Proverbs 19:22 – The desire of man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
Thought: The word “desire” can mean “charm.” One of the things that makes a person charming is his kindness. It is his desire to be of assistance to others. He renders charitable acts to those in need. There are many who make false promises of assistance. They, however, do not follow through. They are liars. The poor man whom they promised to assist is better than they. Why don’t you go out today and charm others with your kindness?
Luke 10:33-35
Read devotionals for July 2017
