OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for December 2017
January 1, 2018
Proverbs 25:19 – Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
Thought: Broken teeth and feet out of joint bring severe pain. Likewise, putting trust in a person who is incompetent or disloyal in times of trouble can also cause much pain. None of us can do all things by ourselves. We must surround ourselves with others who can assist us. Sadly, some of the team cannot perform when needed. They might even rise up in rebellion against us. We desperately need them, but they are unfaithful. Oh, the pains brought by unfaithful men. Develop your inner circle wisely.
II Timothy 4:9-10
January 2, 2018
Proverbs 25:20 – As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
Thought: There are times when some actions are not appropriate. It is not good to have one’s coat taken away when the weather is cold. It is not advised to pour vinegar upon the mineral potash, because there is a negative chemical reaction that takes place. Just as these previous actions should not be taken, it is not appropriate to sing songs of cheer to a heavy heart. This heart needs silence, words of comfort, and earnest prayer. Songs can be sung when the person’s joy is restored.
Psalm 137:3-4
January 3, 2018
Proverbs 25:21 – If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.
Thought: The Scriptures teach us how we are to treat our enemies. We are not to seek revenge, but we are supposed to do them good. We are to feed them if they are hungry. We are to give them drink when they are thirsty. We do not let their hostility toward us keep us from doing good. Showing benevolence toward those who despise us has many positive results.
Exodus 23:4-5
January 4, 2018
Proverbs 25:22 – For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
Thought: There are several thoughts about the phrase: “…thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.” The immediate thought is that of bringing punishment upon the individual. This, however, would give an evil motive to the one who does good. Another thought is that the good acts are like incense thrown upon the coals of a censer. They rise up as a sweet odor unto God. Another thought is that the good acts are as hot coals that will melt the heart of one’s enemy that could bring reconciliation. Let us not forget also that the Lord would reward his servant for doing good unto his enemy.
Matthew 5:43-45
January 5, 2018
Proverbs 25:23 – The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Thought: Most believe that this text should read: “The north wind bringeth forth rain” (See Job 37:22). This was a common weather event in Jerusalem. In like manner, anger brings forth a backbiting tongue. Anger can only be concealed for so long. It may appear outwardly as kindness to the one it despises, but eventually anger spews its poison. Behind the individual’s back, harsh, sharp, and evil words are spoken to others about him. This is why it is imperative to control the emotion of anger.
Romans 1:30
January 6, 2018
Proverbs 25:24 – It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Thought: This proverb is set forth in several places in Proverbs. Women need to understand that they are a major element of peace within a home. They must also understand that they are usually very emotional beings. It is easy to let emotions get out of hand. If they argue, bicker, and constantly strive with their husbands, they are undermining the peace of the home and their relationship with their husband. When the woman brings tension into the home, the husband would rather dwell elsewhere.
Proverbs 21:19
January 7, 2018
Proverbs 25:25 – As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Thought: We turn on the television or start the computer only to find bad news pouring in from all over the world. It is refreshing to hear some good news from time to time. People have been helped. Divisions have been healed. Sicknesses have been cured. Wars have come to an end. Goals have been accomplished. News like this is as refreshing as the cold waters of a spring to a weary hiker. May God help us to have good news brought into our lives.
I Thessalonians 3:6-8
January 8, 2018
Proverbs 25:26 – A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
Thought: The righteous are supposed to be bold as a lion. They are supposed to manifest courage in the face of an opponent. Some godly individuals, however, are filled with fear. They cower when the enemy approaches. They give in and allow the ungodly to overcome them. The writer of Proverbs likens this to a troubled fountain and a corrupt spring. Neither situation brings happiness. In fact, both only cause sorrow and grief. May God grant all of His people the courage to stand against evil.
I Samuel 17:8-11
January 9, 2018
Proverbs 25:27 – It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Thought: Eating too much honey will cause a person to become sick. To witness such an event is not pleasant. Likewise, it is not good for men to seek for their own glory. Men want others to believe they are are smart. They want others to praise their abilities. They want to be elevated to positions of power. They desire to be honored. To witness the life of such a person is not pleasant. It may not make the individual sick, but others are certainly nauseated by his attitude and actions.
John 5:44
January 10, 2018
Proverbs 25:28 – He that hath not rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Thought: The practice of self-control is one of the greatest blessings a person can give to himself. It involves bringing one’s passions, desires, cravings, and longings under his control. A sinful desire may be present, but he does not yield. He may have the longing to speak his mind, but his brings his tongue under control. He can even handle cravings for food and drink. If he must, he can deny himself immediate pleasures in order to obtain future blessings. Yes, a person who has learned temperance is a mighty warrior.
I Corinthians 9:24-27
January 11, 2018
Proverbs 26:1 – As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Thought: We live in a society that is feelings based. Everyone wants to feel good. No one wants anyone else to feel bad. Because of this, we often do unseemly things. We will honor under performers. We give rewards to those who come in last place. We give bonuses to people who have not been productive. My friends, rewarding bad behavior does not produce good behavior. It is unusual as snow in the summer and as unwanted as rain in the harvest. It is not a decent thing to do.
Ecclesiastes 10:5-7
January 12, 2018
Proverbs 26:2 – As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
Thought: Sometime birds fly about with no real purpose. In like manner, a causeless curse has no purpose. Some like to call down a curse on a person who is innocent. They will call down a curse upon a person who has never harmed them. They wish for God to rain down a curse upon someone they do not even know. Such curses may make the person issuing them feel good, but they are useless. They fly about serving no purpose at all. Don’t be guilt of issuing a causeless curse.
Numbers 23:8
January 13, 2018
Proverbs 26:3 – A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Thought: There are various tools that are used in order to tame the actions of wild beasts. A whip is used to tame the horse. A bridle keeps the donkey under control. Sadly, there are some human beings who cannot control themselves. In order to bring them in line, they, too, need the application of a tool to their body. The wise writer refers to this tool as “a rod for the fool’s back.” Some learn from the rod. Some fail to learn and experience it over and over again. The person is a fool because it is his own actions that bring the pain of the rod upon himself.
Proverbs 17:10
January 14, 2018
Proverbs 26:4 – Answer not a fool according to his folly, let thou also be like unto him.
Thought: There are times when it is best to keep one’s mouth shut around a fool To open one’s mouth only makes you as much of a fool as the fool. If he argues, don’t argue back. If he curses, do not curse him back. If he uses sarcasm against you, do no stoop to his level. One has said: “It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and be proven to be one. Who wants to be classified as a fool?
I Peter 3:9
January 15, 2018
Proverbs 26:5 – Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Thought: There are times when a fool needs to be answered. If he is not answered, he appears wise. If not answered, he leaves the situation believing himself to be something when he is not. Yes, there are times when a fool needs to be humbled. He needs to learn that he is not “all that.” He needs to realize that his knowledge is not as great as he thinks. He needs to understand that others are people of wisdom as well. Picking the time to either answer a fool or not answer him can be difficult. When the right time is chosen to do either, the fool learns a lesson.
Matthew 21:23-27
January 16, 2018
Proverbs 26:6 – He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
Thought: There are people who know how to speak. There are individuals who do not know how to speak. When we depend on another to give a message to others, we need to know of his/her ability and reliability. The messenger can do more harm than good. His word selection, his tone, and his knowledge can all adversely impact situations, relationships, and one’s well-being. Choose your messengers wisely.
I Corinthians 4:17
January 17, 2018
Proverbs 26:7 – The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of a fool.
Thought: The legs of a lame man are powerless. Thus, they do not provide him with the ability to walk, run, and labor. The same can be said of the parable told by a fool. It, too, is powerless. His words teach nothing of value. His stories bring ruin and heartache. They are filled with falsehoods. Those who give heed to the tales of a fool are heading toward disaster.
I Kings 13:18
January 18, 2018
Proverbs 26:8 – As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
Thought: Stones were not supposed to be bound to the sling. If tied into the sling, they could not be thrown for protection. Even though a person had a sling and a rock, the weapon was useless if the stone could not be cast. Giving honor to a fool is another useless action. A fool is not worthy of honor. He has done nothing worthy of any accolades. Everyone usually understands this except the fool.
Acts 12:21-23
January 19, 2018
Proverbs 26:9 – As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Thought: A thorn in the hand of a drunkard wounds the hand. His drunken state will cause the wound to become infected. Pain and anguish will be the result of the thorn. A parable in the mouth of a fool is much like the thorn. It can enter into the hearts of others and bring pain and anguish to their lives. Fools do not bring stories that contribute to health and well-being. They bring parables that harm and bring sickness. Be careful to whom you give ear.
Proverbs 24:7
January 20, 2018
Proverbs 26:10 – The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
Thought: Many believe that this verse is not properly translated, but let’s take the verse for what it says. First, God is great. Second, His greatness is expressed in His power to create all things. Third, it will be God who will “reward” all men, including the fool and all transgressors. This verse reminds us that all will stand before the judgment seat of God. All will be “rewarded” for their actions. Those who have mocked and disobeyed God will receive an end that reflects their choices and behaviors.
Romans 2:5-11
January 21, 2018
Proverbs 26:11 – As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Thought: Animals often do disgusting things. A dog, for instance, will vomit, then turn and eat it. Just to think about it make us sick. In the spiritual world, people often do disgusting things. Fools will return to their folly. Drinkers will return to the bottle. Drug addicts will return to their pills and syringes. Gamblers will find their way back to the casinos. Adulterers and adulteresses will return to the bedrooms and hotels of another stranger. To God, this is sickening behavior. It ought to be disgusting to the child of God as well.
II Peter 2:20-22
January 22, 2018
Proverbs 26:12 – Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
Thought: Men often like to believe that they are smarter than they really are. Some believe that they are wiser than most of their fellowmen. Several will even think of themselves as being wiser than God. Their conceit will ultimately bring them down. The fool has more hope than a man who is wise in his own conceit. Being “too smart” is not smart at all.
I Corinthians 3:18-19
January 23, 2018
Proverbs 26:13 – The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
Thought: Excuses, excuses, excuses. The diligent tire of all the excuses given by the slothful man. Here, he cannot work because there may be lion in the way. If it were not a lion, it would be something else. Laziness is an evil affliction. The heart of a man is so poisoned that he will not take care of himself or others. Sadly, it seems that all of us use excuses from time to time to get out of doing needed and important things. My friend, give up your excuses and get to work!
I Thessalonians 4:11-12
January 24, 2018
Proverbs 26:14 – As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
Thought: The picture here would be humorous if it were not so sad. One can see the sloth as he rolls upon his bed. Just as a door creaks as it moves, so also the sloth groans as he turns from side to side. Hours pass and he turns again. He gets up only to take care of the necessities. Then, it is back to bed only to roll back and forth, back and forth. He only invests his time in rest that is not needed.
Romans 12:11
January 25, 2018
Proverbs 26:15 – The slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
Thought: Laziness manifests itself in ways unimaginable to those who are diligent. In this verse the slothful man has put his hand into the bosom of his robe. When his hand is needed, it grieves him to have to move it from its place of rest. His life is wasted. His potential goes unrealized. There is no productivity. He is a liability. He is a spot on the globe. My friend, don’t waste your life with inactivity. Work. Labor. Toil. Produce. Make something of the one life you have been given.
Matthew 25:20-21
January 26, 2018
Proverbs 26:16 – The sluggard is wiser in his own conceits than seven men that can render a reason.
Thought: The sluggard has all kinds of reasons for his lazy actions. He has a pocket full of excuses and rationalizations for his slothful condition. The wisest people on the earth cannot convince him of his inappropriate lifestyle. He believes that he is smarter than anyone else. Conceit has destroyed many people. They are too wise to learn. Ultimately, their own ignorance destroys them.
Galatians 6:3
January 27, 2018
Proverbs 26:17 – He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Thought: There are some things that a person just should not do. Grabbing a dog by the ears is one of those things. Dogs do no mind being rubbed or petted. They do not mind being scratched behind the ears, but they do not want a person to grab them by their ears. Such an action carries serious consequences. The same is true when a person gets involved in strife that does not belong to him. We have no business getting involved in the battles that others are fighting. To get involved will only bring serious, devastating consequences in our own lives.
Luke 12:13-14
January 28, 2018
Proverbs 26:18 – As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death.
Thought: The writer is about to compare a human behavior to the things that are listed in this verse. Each one of these things is harmful to others. They wound. They maim. They cause the loss of life. In like manner, some behaviors are destructive. Every person ought to contemplate the end of his/her actions. This is difficult to do, especially when emotions run high. However, it is better to think things through than to regret something one has done.
Genesis 49:22-24
January 29, 2018
Proverbs 26:19 – So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Thought: There are many people who try to whitewash evil words or behavior by saying such things as: “I was only kidding,” or, “I did not mean any harm by it,” or, “I was just joking.” They throw a dart into the heart of another with their words, then, act as if is no big deal. They criticize, demean, and humiliate another, then try to cover their actions with the words: “Am not I in sport?” These individuals, according to the wise man, are like the mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death at others.
Ephesians 5:4
January 30, 2018
Proverbs 26:20 – Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Thought: When some calls us a name, we do not have to respond. When someone makes an unkind remark, we do not have to say anything in return. We someone makes an accusation against us, we do not have to answer. There are some things that people do that fuel fights and feuds and wars. These things only put wood on the fire. A talebearer also adds fuel to the flame. If they would shut their mouth and zip their lips, the fire would go out. Sadly, some are like arsonists and love a good fire.
Proverbs 22:10
January 31, 2018
Proverbs 26:21 – As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Thought: There are some people who love a good fight. They question. They blame. The tell falsehoods. They challenge. They argue. They confront. They dispute. These are not one-time behaviors. They engage in these things with any and all. They seek others who they can “suck in” to argue with them. These individuals fail to comprehend that others dread seeing them. They are disappointed when they walk into a room. They do all they can to avoid the individual. Why? They know strife is at hand. How sad to be an individual that others do not want to be around.
Proverbs 30:33
Read devotionals for February 2018