OceanSide church of Christ

Read devotionals for October 2017

November 1, 2017

Proverbs 23:27 – For a whore is a deep ditch, and a strange woman is a narrow pit.


Thought: The father now gives an instruction to his son. It involves the prostitute. The man who pursues her pleasures will eventually find himself in a deep ditch in which it is impossible to get out. He will find himself stuck deep in a pit wherein there is no escape. The harlot is a strong temptation for a young man. He must constantly remind himself of the evil consequences that follow a night of lust and pleasure. Those consequences are difficult and in them there is no pleasure.

I Kings 11:1-8


November 2, 2017

Proverbs 23:28 – She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.


Thought: A harlot knows that her occupation is evil. Her heart, however, has been hardened to her actions. In fact, she often finds pleasure in stalking her prey. She lures the man with her beauty and false promises. Before he realizes it, she has brought him to destruction. He has committed fornication. He has been involved in the sin of adultery. Once the deed is done, it cannot be undone. He is now numbered with the transgressors among men. The young man becomes another notch on her bedpost. She is victorious. He is the defeated.

Ecclesiastes 7:26


November 3, 2017

Proverbs 23:29 – Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause?


Thought: These questions might have many answers to them, but there is one group to whom these questions apply on a constant basis. It is those who drink alcoholic beverages. Many believe that they can “control” their liquor. What they find, however, is that alcohol soon becomes their master. That master becomes an extremely severe taskmaster. He promises fun, but brings hardship.

Isaiah 5:11


November 4, 2017

Proverbs 23:30 – They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixt wine.


Thought: The inspired writer tells us that it is the person who finds pleasure in alcohol who has woe, sorrow, babbling, and wounds without cause. Alcohol removes a person’s ability to reason properly. Strong drink breaks down inhibition. The person who drinks slows down his reaction time. In essence, a person is not who he normally is. He will do things and say things that he would not if he were not intoxicated. He is controlled by something other than self. Alcohol becomes his master.

Genesis 9:20-21


November 5, 2017

Proverbs 23:31 – Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.


Thought: When wine is fermented, when it contains alcoholic content, it becomes a dangerous substance to man. It adversely affects his mind, his behavior, and his health. Man believes that he can drink in moderation. He believes that he can handle his liquor. Soon the liquor is handling him. The best preventative is abstinence. In fact, the wise writer tells his readers to not even look at it. Sin, ruin, and death always begin with the first look.

Psalm 119:37


November 6, 2017

Proverbs 23:32 – At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.


Thought: The bite of a poisonous snake is extremely painful. It can cause much damage to a person’s body. It can bring death if not treated immediately. The same is true when one drinks alcoholic beverages. The intoxicant will adversely impact the one who drinks it. It can harm the body. It can destroy the mind. It can destroy relationships. If it is not properly treated, it can bring death. The death that it can bring can be both physical and spiritual. It is interesting that those who would never pick up a poisonous snake do not hesitate to pick up an intoxicating beverage.

Isaiah 28:7-8


November 7, 2017

Proverbs 23:33 – Thine eye shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.


Thought: Two dangers of alcohol are revealed in this verse. Alcohol causes one’s inhibitions to be dropped. Things that used to be fenced in are set free. Things that used to be controlled become uncontrolled. Women who should be off limits become enticing. Many men have committed adultery under the influence of alcohol. The restraints on one’s lips are removed when a person drinks. Cursing, saying foolish things, and showing disrespect for others is common for those who are drinking. Why does any person want to give himself to something that causes him to lose control?

Genesis 19:32-38


November 8, 2017

Proverbs 23:34 – Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.


Thought: A person who drinks will find that his sense of balance is removed from him. He staggers from here to there. When he stands still everything seems to be spin around him. Even when he lies down, he feels as if he is being tossed by the sea. This indicates that one’s mind is adversely affected by the liquor. The individual is no longer in control. He cannot even control how he walks. Again, why does someone want to give the control of his body to alcohol? Why does a person want to lose control of his most basic body functions? Some say: “It’s fun.” This writer says: “It’s foolish.”

I Samuel 30:16-17


November 9, 2017

Proverbs 23:35 – They have striken me shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it again.


Thought: When the intoxicated man awakes from his drunkenness, he finds many things that are wrong with him. It is as if he has been beaten by another person. There are bruises, cuts, and blood, but he remembers nothing. He did not feel the pain when the wounds were inflicted upon him. But, he longs to wake from his slumber. Why? So he can seek wine and strong drink again. It makes no sense to the sober. How could a person long for that which causes him so much shame and pain?

Jeremiah 5:3


November 10, 2017

Proverbs 24:1 – Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.


Thought: Evil men appear to be rich and happy. They seem to be living what some refer to as “the good life.” When the righteous see their apparent blessings, they can grow envious and long to be part of the evil lot. The wise man exhorts us not to be envious of them. He warns us not to desire to be with them. All we see is the surface. Below the surface are mistrust, unkindness, viciousness, manipulation, violence, revenge, and a host of other negatives. Their lives are not the paradise that they seem to be.

Psalm 73:3-5


November 11, 2017

Proverbs 24:2 – For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk mischief.


Thought: In this verse, we read of the environment of those who are evil. They study destruction. Their minds are constantly centered upon robbery, plunder, and violence to others. In order to accomplish their goals, “their lips talk mischief.” Their mouths are filled with slander, lies, flattery, crafty words, and uncharitable talk. Their hearts and mouths are like the grave, filled with death and corruption. It is not a place the righteous will find enticing once there.

Daniel 6:4-5


November 12, 2017

Proverbs 24:3 – Through wisdom is a house builded; and by understanding it is established.


Thought: Most individuals run into marriage with little or no knowledge. The same is true of parenting. As the days and months pass, the home is filled with challenges, difficulties, and plenty of bad emotions. Many do not have the ability to overcome. Then, divorce occurs. What is needed is wisdom and understanding. This really needs to be imparted before marriage and children. When these things exist, homes can be built and will remain firmly in place.

Hosea 4:6


November 13, 2017

Proverbs 24:4 – And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.


Thought: Yesterday, we learned that wisdom and understanding are needed to keep a home intact. We are again impressed with this point, “and by knowledge…” Young people need to be taught Biblical principles about the home. They need to learn their roles and how to conduct themselves. They need to learn about communication, problem solving, finances, and many others skills. If a man and woman possess godly wisdom, their home will be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Psalm 19:10-11


November 14, 2017

Proverbs 24:5 – A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.


Thought: There is power in having knowledge and understanding. It is not a physical strength, but a mental strength that enables one to conquer his enemies. However, to acquire knowledge takes effort and time. A person must be willing to invest himself into reading, studying, memorizing, and practical application of the things learned. When knowledge fills a person’s mind, he soon learns that he possesses a strength that many others do not have. Be strong, dear reader. Increase your knowledge.

Ecclesiastes 7:19


November 15, 2017

Proverbs 24:6 – For by wise counsel shalt thou make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.


Thought: The wise writer again encourages his readers to seek counsel before engaging in monumental and difficult tasks. A person needs to have as much information as possible before making decisions that could have catastrophic consequences if not done correctly. There are many out there who know the ropes. They have fought the battles. They know the pros and cons. Their wisdom is valuable. It can save one from embarrassment, hardship, and possible ruin. Seek thy counselors!

Proverbs 15:22


November 16, 2017

Proverbs 24:7 – Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.


Thought: Wisdom is not cheap. It comes with a cost. It takes time and effort to acquire. A fool believes that the cost is too high. Thus, he does not seek it. His choice yields consequences. One of them is that he does not occupy positions of influence and power “in the gate.” It was at the gate of the city in times past where the men of wisdom would sit. These were the judges and the arbitrators. They were men to whom others looked for answers. The fool’s lack of wisdom would not allow him to sit with them. There is always a cost for not paying the cost.

Psalm 10:4-5


November 17, 2017

Proverbs 24:8 – He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.


Thought: A person’s actions define him. In other words, there are titles that describe the way individuals think and behave. Those who plot, plan, and contrive ways to commit evil actions are called mischievous. One defined this term as a “worthless intriguer.” He is not a person who can be trusted. He is not one to whom others look for a positive example. In fact, he is to be shunned. Those who walk with a mischievous person will fall into a pit. May none us live in such a way as to wear the title of a mischievous person.

Psalm 35:20-21


November 18, 2017

Proverbs 24:9 – The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.


Thought: All behavior originates first in the mind. Sin is first contemplated in the mind. It is planned and schemed in the mind. To sin, a person has to make a decision in his mind that he wants to transgress. Thus, even the thought of foolishness is sinful. The writer connects this to the thought that the scorner is an abomination to men. The scorner despises and rebels against spiritual things. His life does not produce positive fruit. He corrupts those with whom he associates. He does not produce good fruit. His life should be disgusting to all men.

Jeremiah 4:14


November 19, 2017

Proverbs 24:10 – If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.


Thought: It is easy to appear to be strong when all is well. It is when we face challenges and obstacles and the enemy that our strength is truly tested. If we faint when the heat is on, then we have little strength. Those who hang on. Those who fight it out. Those who last and last and last. Those who never give up. Those are the ones who manifest strength. They reach deep within and are not overcome.

Isaiah 40:29-31


November 20, 2017

Proverbs 24:11 – If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain.


Thought: We have a tendency is our society to keep to ourselves. We do not like to contemplate the idea that we have responsibilities to others, but this is not the case. One of our responsibilities is to rescue those who are walking close to the edge of death. Life is precious. It should be protected. If it can be spared, it should be. My friend, there is no justification for allowing another to die when it is in the power of your hand to save it.

Luke 10:31-32


November 21, 2017

Proverbs 24:12 – If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?


Thought: God sees and knows all. He sees our actions, hears our words, and knows whether our excuses are true or false. In verse 11, we were told to deliver those who are doing dangerous, deadly things. Sometimes we do not want to get involved. Our excuse might be: “We knew it not.” God knows whether we knew or not. He ponders the heart. He keeps the soul. Based upon His perfect knowledge of us, He will render His judgment, rendering to every man according to his works.

Revelation 20:12


November 22, 2017

Proverbs 24:13 – My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste.


Thought: The father encourages his son to eat honey and the honeycomb. These things were part of a healthy diet in ancient times. Too, they could bring refreshment to a weary soul. In addition, they were good to the taste. There is nothing better than eating something that is good and good for you. Sadly, in our day junk food has replaced the natural foods of the past. Parents would be wise to start at an early age to feed their children healthy treats rather than the processed sweets on the market today.

Matthew 24:42


November 23, 2017

Proverbs 24:14 – So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.


Thought: The God who created the world and all that is in it is also the God who formed the soul of man. Just as honey and the honeycomb are good for the outer man, so is wisdom to the inner man. Divine wisdom is a healthy diet. It is good for man. Too, it is pleasant to the taste. Those who seek it shall find it. Those who find it shall be rewarded. These rewards are real. They can be expected. They will not be cut off.

Jeremiah 15:16


November 24, 2017

Proverbs 24:15 – Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place.


Thought: A man’s home is his prized possession. He has worked diligently for many years to acquire a place of rest. Evil men, however, plot as to how this can be taken from the righteous. They want what is has taken another much time and effort to obtain. The writer warns the wicked against such a scheme. It is sad that this type of individual resides within any society. The term “wicked” used to describe him seems to be an understatement.

Matthew 23:14


November 25, 2017

Proverbs 24:16 – For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.


Thought: The righteous with the help of God are very resilient. They fall down, but they get up again. In fact, a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again. The word “seven” is a perfect number. It indicates an infinite amount. The old saying: “You cannot keep a good man down,” is very true. The wicked, on the other hand, are not so. When God casts them down, they are not able to rise again.

II Corinthians 1:8-10


November 26, 2017

Proverbs 24:17 – Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.


Thought: This is an extremely difficult command to put in practice. Our enemies have done us wrong, have taken advantage of us, and have harmed us. The have cost us peace and prosperity. When they stumble and fall, we have a tendency to want to clap our hands and rejoice because they have gotten what is due them. Instead, our hearts should be filled with love for them. Instead of experiencing joy, we should be heavy with grief. Here is a person who has fallen without God in his life.

Job 31:29-30


November 27, 2017

Proverbs 24:18 – Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.


Thought: God is the one who executes vengeance and wrath upon those who are evil. God does not receive any pleasure from having to punish those who are evil. He created them. He loves them. He desires the best for them. In like manner, the righteous should be careful about their reaction to the demise of the enemy. It should pain our hearts as well. If we rejoice, God could reverse His actions and turn His wrath away from the evildoers.

Zechariah 1:15-16


November 28, 2017

Proverbs 24:19 – Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked.


Thought: Evil men constantly surround the righteous. They often seem to be living comfortable, prosperous lives. They seem to enjoy life with greater ease than those who are followers of God. It is easy for the minds of the godly to be deceived by the things they see. They grow agitated and envious of the lives of the wicked. The saints of God must remember that looks are deceiving. Too, they must keep in mind the hope that they have versus the hope of evil men. Don’t fret over and envy the evil.

Psalm 73:3-12


November 29, 2017

Proverbs 24:20 – For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.


Thought: Here is one of the reasons the righteous should not fret over and envy the wicked. They have no hope. They have no reward. All of their evil activities will come to an end. They will stand condemned before God. The only victors in the last day will be those who have faithfully followed the Lord. Don’t cast your eyes upon the evil doers. Set your eyes on the finish line. Turn your eyes upon heaven.

Psalm 11:4-7


November 30, 2017

Proverbs 24:21 – My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change.


Thought: God is the ultimate authority of the Universe. He has delegated authority to others such as the king. Both are to be reverenced by man. There is to be a respect and awe that is shown to them by their subjects. Some are not satisfied with the structures put in place by God. They want to change them. Usually, it is under the guise of “making them better.” The reality is that we cannot improve on what God has put in place. Thus, we should not meddle with them that are given to change.

Numbers 16:1-3


Read devotionals for December 2017