We Wish to See Jesus

Category: Bible Study

Expository studies of biblical texts, people, themes, and books.

  • From Sons of Thunder to the Apostle of Love

    Zeal in doing the will of the Lord is a truly admirable quality. In fact, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14, New King James Version). The apostles themselves were reminded of this quality when they witnessed Jesus cleansing the temple, recalling the words, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up” (John 2:13–17; cf. Psalm 69:9). Seeing the Lord’s wholehearted devotion to His Father’s will ought to inspire each of us to cultivate that same kind of zeal in our own service to God.

    However, I also recognize that zeal can be misguided when it is not grounded in a proper knowledge of God’s will (Romans 10:2). Therefore, I pray not only for greater zeal but also for the wisdom to direct that zeal in the right way. In the original language of the New Testament, the word translated zeal carries the idea of earnest eagerness or fervent devotion. Such eagerness may express itself in different ways, but it must always be governed by God’s truth.

    Looking at the Gospel accounts, I see that James and John were two brothers who exemplified zeal. Jesus even nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). On one occasion, however, their zeal was misguided. When a Samaritan village refused to receive Jesus, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:51–56). Even so, they remained in fellowship with Jesus, who loved them deeply. Rather than rejecting or extinguishing their zeal, Jesus patiently corrected them, so that they would reflect God’s will instead, of mere impulse.

    After the Great Commission was given and the apostles began preaching in the name of Jesus, James became the first of the apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:1–2). His zeal for the Lord remained steadfast, even in the face of persecution, exemplifying those who suffer “for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). I pray that my own zeal will likewise be marked by such love and devotion to God, remaining faithful even if it should one day cost me my life (Revelation 2:10).

    On the other hand, James’ brother John was the only apostle who was not martyred for his faith. He lived to an old age and, during the reign of Domitian, was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his unwavering testimony of Christ. Before his exile, John wrote the Gospel of John and later authored three epistles that consistently emphasized the importance of commitment to the truth and genuine love for fellow Christians (John 8:31-32; 1 John 3:18-23). While on Patmos, he received the Revelation of Jesus Christ and recorded it (Revelation 1:9). After his exile ended, early Christian tradition suggests that John returned to Ephesus, where he continued to encourage his brethren. He became especially known for his emphasis on the idea that love for one another must always accompany faithfulness to God’s truth.

    Interestingly, while the apostle John was once ready to rain down fire and brimstone on the Samaritans, later in life, he stood firmly for the truth while also promoting brotherly love. There is no compromising of truth within John’s message; however, he grew to embody a great balance between his zeal for the Lord and his love for others! True love certainly entails caring enough for someone’s soul to speak whatever is necessary for their edification, but it also requires the type of tenderness that shines through in his epistles. 

    For these reasons, I pray to God Almighty: help me grow in my zeal! I want to express this zeal with both the proper knowledge and wisdom, as I wish to be the person You want me to be in every one of my interactions with others. Help me to discern when to speak with firmness, and when to approach others more tenderly, O God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). 

    Father, may I never compromise Your truth, for Your word is truth (John 17:17). May I be zealous for good works… And may I also be a good example for others, glorifying You in this way (Matthew 5:16). May Your people, everywhere, be (properly) zealous for good works (Titus 2:14; Romans 10:2). Amen.

    If you are interested in learning more about Jesus and what it means to follow Him, visit Looking for Jesus? or browse the Jesus Christ studies.

  • If Falling Away Is Impossible, Why So Many Warnings?

    Suppose someone told you it is impossible for a Christian to lose his salvation. If that were true, perhaps this question should naturally follow: Why then does the New Testament contain so many warnings about falling away? Not just one or two difficult passages, but warning after warning addressed to Christians, churches, elders, and even the apostles. If apostasy is impossible, these repeated exhortations become difficult to explain.

    Far from teaching that salvation can never be lost, Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples about the danger of falling away. While describing the persecution His followers would endure, He warned that many would be offended, betray one another, and allow their love to grow cold. His conclusion was straightforward: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13b, New King James Version). The promise of salvation is given to those who endure faithfully until the end, not to those who abandon their faith.

    The Parable of the Sower raises an equally important question. Jesus spoke of those who “receive the word with joy,” who “believe for a while,” and then “in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). These are not described as unbelievers pretending to have faith. Jesus said they believed. If they only appeared to believe, then the warning loses much of its force. Instead, Christ presents a belief that does not endure because the heart was never deeply rooted.

    The same emphasis appears in John 15. Jesus compared Himself to a vine and His disciples to its branches. A branch cannot be cut off from a vine unless it was first attached to it. Yet Jesus warned, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch… and they gather them and throw them into the fire” (John 15:6). Rather than assuring His disciples that departure was impossible, He urged them to continue abiding in Him.

    The apostles preached the same message. After Judas died, the disciples described him as one who “by transgression fell” from his ministry (Acts 1:25). Paul warned Gentile Christians not to become arrogant because unbelieving Jews had been cut off. “Toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). The condition is difficult to miss. Continue, or be cut off.

    Perhaps even more striking is Paul’s attitude toward himself. After preaching the gospel to countless people, he wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest… I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul did not believe his own apostleship placed him beyond spiritual danger. If the apostle saw a real need for vigilance, why should modern Christians believe they are exempt?

    Paul immediately illustrated his point by turning to Israel’s history. The Israelites had experienced God’s deliverance, passed through the sea, and received His blessings, yet many fell because of unbelief. Those events, Paul says, “were written for our admonition.” His conclusion is not, “Do not worry because you cannot fall,” but exactly the opposite: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Warnings have meaning only when the danger is real.

    This same pattern continues throughout Paul’s letters. The Corinthians were reminded that the gospel saves them “if you hold fast” to it (1 Corinthians 15:2). The Colossians would be presented holy and blameless before God “if indeed you continue in the faith” (Colossians 1:23). Scripture repeatedly attaches promises to diligence, not because salvation is earned, but because faith is meant to endure.

    No New Testament book contains stronger warnings than Hebrews. The writer tells fellow Christians, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). He urges them to be diligent “lest anyone fall” (Hebrews 4:11). In Hebrews 6, he describes people who had been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and then “fall away” (Hebrews 6:4-6). Whatever difficulties that passage presents, one fact remains obvious: the writer believed falling away was a danger serious enough to warn Christians about, repeatedly.

    Peter does the same. He urges Christians to “make your call and election sure,” adding, “if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). Later he speaks of people who had “forsaken the right way” (2 Peter 2:15). John likewise calls Christians to ongoing repentance (1 John 1:9-10), while Jesus tells the church at Ephesus that they had “fallen” and must repent (Revelation 2:4-5). He promises the overcomer that his name will not be blotted from the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5), a promise that would seem unnecessary if overcoming were guaranteed.

    None of this diminishes God’s grace. Christians are not kept saved by flawless obedience, nor do they earn salvation by their own merit. Every faithful disciple continues to depend completely on the mercy of God and the blood of Christ. At the same time, the New Testament never treats faith as a one-time event, disconnected from the rest of a person’s life. Instead, it consistently instructs us to continue, remain, abide, endure, overcome, and hold fast.

    Scripture leaves no doubt that God is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Yet the New Testament also addresses another reality: Christians are warned not to turn away from Christ. If it were impossible for a believer to fall away, we would expect the inspired writers to say so plainly. Instead, they consistently warn Christians about the danger of abandoning the faith—the very possibility that the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” denies.

  • Respecting the Boundaries of God’s Word

    Have you ever met someone who genuinely seeks to follow God’s word in the Bible? It’s natural to reflect on our own commitment to the Scriptures and how closely we align with their teachings. With that in mind, let’s explore a few examples and consider whether truly adhering to God’s word is extreme or simply a sincere pursuit of faith.

    The Profane Fire of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3)

    The first example concerns the priests, Nadab and Abihu. God explicitly commanded that only specific incense and fire from the altar of burnt offering be used in Tabernacle worship. However, these sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded. Consequently, fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them immediately, because they presumed to approach God in a manner of their own choosing rather than adhering to His instructions. 

    A Futile Invasion Attempt (Numbers 14:39-45)

    Another example is Israel’s presumptuous battle, described in Numbers 14:39-45. Due to their lack of faith in the report of the ten spies, God decreed that the generation of Israelites would not enter the Promised Land and would instead wander in the wilderness for 40 years. After hearing this, the Israelites felt remorse but chose to disobey God’s punishment by attacking the Canaanites anyway, presuming that God would help them because they had decided to go. Moses warned them not to go up, as the LORD was not among them. They ignored his warning and were severely defeated by the Amalekites, demonstrating that repentance for their consequences is not the same as obedience.

    Uzzah Touching the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7)

    Additionally, we should consider the matter of Uzzah touching the Ark of the Covenant, as described in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 and 2 Chronicles 13:9-10. The Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites using poles and should never have been touched directly by unauthorized people (Numbers 4:15). When the Israelites were moving the Ark on a new cart (imitating the Philistines), the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark to prevent it from falling (acting on his own judgment rather than adhering to the prescribed method). As a result, God’s anger burned against him, and He struck him down for his irreverence. This demonstrates that good intentions do not justify violating clear commands. King David later pointed out that they had not consulted God in this matter, which led to their error in moving the Ark in the first place (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). Thus, there is a lesson in the need to consult the word of God before presuming to act, even with good intentions. 

    The Bible provides numerous examples that underscore the peril of taking God’s grace for granted and expecting favorable outcomes, all while disregarding His clear commands. This behavior is often referred to as presumptuous sin (Psalm 19:13) or testing God (Matthew 4:5-7; See 1 Corinthians 10:9).

    Individuals often seek to align their actions with God’s will and may question the necessity of demanding “book, chapter, and verse” for every practice. However, when in doubt, it is wise to reflect on examples like those mentioned above to foster reverence in our pursuit of not going beyond the boundaries outlined in God’s word. May we always show reverence to Him in our conduct, seeking New Testament authority for everything we say and do.

    “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17, New King James Version)

  • Wisdom for Every Aspect of Life

    With the book of Proverbs, we encounter various aspects of life that call for the seeking and treasuring of wisdom, especially when contrasted with foolishness. As I have been reading through this portion of Scripture, a consistent theme is emerging rather than just short, pithy statements addressing the seemingly unrelated aspects of life. I’m wondering if these various life aspects are presented to illustrate that every area of our lives should be guided by wisdom! 

    We are certainly given information that emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from above, in everything we do. For instance, consider the warnings against gluttony and overindulgence, whether in food or drink (Prov. 23:1). Wisdom calls for restraint, reminding us that overindulgence leads to poverty and sorrow (vv. 2-3, 20-21). Could even the more mundane choices we make, such as how we respond even to the food set before us, be influenced by wisdom that comes from above?! 

    Another subject that we revisit in Proverbs 23 deals with the deceptive nature of wealth. We are advised to caution against pursuing material wealth excessively, as riches are fleeting and unreliable (vv. 4-5). Isn’t it sad to observe how many people are distracted by the pursuit of earthly wealth, risking their very souls for a bigger boat, a larger house, and more possessions? 

    Additionally, there is wisdom regarding how to discipline one’s children. A wise parent corrects their child to guide them toward righteousness and away from destruction (vv. 12-14). The chapter highlights the deep joy parents experience when their children walk in truth, reflecting the generational blessings of godly living (vv. 15-16, 24-25). There are also warnings against associating closely with sinners, along with instruction regarding the chaos that drunkenness leads to—confusion, pain, and moral decay that blinds one to reality (vv. 6-8, 17-18, 29-35). 

    Additionally, we are urged to maintain reverence for the Lord and not be swayed by the apparent success of those who sin (v. 18). Indeed, Proverbs 23 reminds us that this book is filled with wisdom applicable to every facet of life!! Being sober-minded and singularly focused on God helps us prioritize our motives for work, how we choose to entertain ourselves, and even how we fuel our bodies with food!!! Like other passages in Scripture, we often emphasize that the repetition of various principles is intended to capture our attention. With the teaching presented in this book, we see multiple subjects revisited over and over again. That should mean something to us!

    Oh God Almighty, I give you my whole heart (v. 26)! I want to observe your ways in all phases of my existence. May you rule over me, and enable me, to be a good steward in EVERY ASPECT of my life!! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  • Ruin for Wickedness/Reward for Righteousness

    Proverbs 21 continues Solomon’s collection of wise sayings. This chapter contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, showing that God ultimately directs all outcomes and judges every motive. Solomon notes that pride, deceit, and violence mark the path of the wicked, and that their ways are unstable, ultimately leading to ruin.

    4 A haughty look, a proud heart,

    And the plowing of the wicked are sin.

    5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,

    But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

    6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue

    Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

    7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them,

    Because they refuse to do justice.

    8 The way of a guilty man is perverse;

    But as for the pure, his work is right.

    (Proverbs 21:4-8, New King James Version)

    In contrast, those who pursue righteousness and mercy find life, righteousness, and honor! Solomon teaches us that God governs all human affairs, and that righteousness, justice, and humility are far more valuable than outward displays of “religion,” or even worldly success.

    21 He who follows righteousness and mercy

    Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

    22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty,

    And brings down the trusted stronghold.

    23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue

    Keeps his soul from troubles.

    (Proverbs 21:21-23)

    As New Testament Christians living after the cross, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to read and reflect on such Proverbs. These statements convey truths about the physical realm. Still, we must also consider the complete revelation of Scripture, which assures us of a final reckoning at the end of our physical lives (Jud. 3; 2 Cor. 5:1-11). While some individuals may seem to gain an advantage in their earthly pursuits—achieving notoriety, wealth, and various forms of “success”—it can be discouraging to see that acts of violence often go unpunished in this world.

    God has promised to judge the wicked, which should motivate us to abstain from all forms of evil (1 Thess. 5:22; 2 Thess. 2:7-9). Our faith calls us to turn to God through Jesus Christ so that our sins may be forgiven, enabling us to glorify Him through our efforts to please Him (Acts 2:36-38; Eph. 1:7; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2 Cor. 5:12-21). While we may endure suffering here on earth, I pray that each of us, including myself, will place our faith in the One who promises to reward us in eternity for seeking to do what is right in His sight (Rev. 21-22). Let us be content with what He provides here on earth while striving to live for eternity. Amen.

  • At the Table of Wisdom—or at the Feast of Death

    The 9th chapter of Proverbs presents a striking contrast between two voices that call out, compelling us to make a choice: will we listen to the voice of wisdom or the voice of folly? Both invite us to a feast, but only one leads to life. 

    Wisdom is personified as a noble woman who prepares a rich banquet. She sets her table and calls out, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here” (verse 4). Her invitation is extended not only to the simple (those who have not yet learned life’s lessons) but also to those who are already wise. As verse 9 states, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be even wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” 

    The meal that wisdom offers is not physical food, but understanding, discernment, and the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (verse 10). To accept her call means turning away from our own self-reliance and submitting to God’s ways, trusting that His word nourishes us more deeply than anything else! 

    In contrast, the way of folly also calls out. The Proverbs describe a foolish woman as boisterous, who similarly invites the simple. However, her offer is deceptive. Verse 17 states that her appeal is, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Her banquet may look appealing at first; it seems more exciting and satisfying. Yet Solomon warns that those who dine with folly fail to realize that her table is set in the depths of Sheol (verse 18), and her feast leads to death! 

    This chapter reminds us that every day we can choose which invitation to accept. Wisdom requires humility and a willingness to be corrected, taught, and guided by God; whereas folly appeals to pride, secrecy, and selfish pleasure. The outcomes of these choices are vastly different: wisdom leads to a life of fulfillment, while folly leads to ruin. 

    Today, let us ask ourselves: which voice am I heeding? Am I yearning for God’s truth, or am I being led astray by shortcuts that promise joy, but ultimately lead to destruction? Let us choose wisdom’s feast, for at her table, we find life!!

  • Seek Wisdom, Find Life

    Wisdom Calls to Us

    Wisdom calls to individuals and urges them to recognize her value. In contrast to the clamorous wicked woman of Chapter 7, wisdom invites us to come and learn her worth in every prominent place where she stands and cries out: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart” (Proverbs 8:4-5, New King James Version). Her advice is good, not bad; it is worth more than silver and gold (vv. 10-11)! 

    Wisdom Lists Her Gifts

    Wisdom boasts an excellent history of accomplishments. Verse 13 states, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.” Wisdom proclaims her significance in governance: “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth” (v. 15). In verses 17-18, she says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.” Indeed, wisdom blesses those who pursue her by filling their treasuries and rewarding them with greater wealth than silver and gold (vv. 19-21)!! 

    Wisdom Assisted God in Creation

    One of the greatest endorsements of wisdom is that even God made use of her in the marvelous creation and arrangement of the earth. Verse 22 declares, “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth.” Verse 27 adds, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the face of the deep.” 

    Blessed is the Person Who Listens to Wisdom 

    How blessed is the one who watches and listens for wisdom daily (v. 34)! Verses 35 and 36 state, “Whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; and all who hate me love death.” 

    Personal Application 

    When I reflect on the message of this chapter and the incredible way wisdom is extolled, I realize how easily I can become distracted and steer away from the richness that God provides daily. This chapter emphasizes that wisdom is available everywhere and offers riches as described. I’m sure that good kings like David, Hezekiah, and Josiah have utilized godly wisdom. And that type is wisdom is available to us! While I may not “hate” wisdom like some people in this world—those who literally reject the Bible and its teachings—I sometimes take lightly the words God has given me, in that I do not give my Bible enough love and attention. 

    It is profound to consider that God speaks of wisdom as the very foundation of all things, present with Him from the beginning. So, I need to focus on striving for wisdom daily, taking time away from my busy schedule to pray earnestly to God, read His Word, and meditate more deeply on what He has to say. Utilizing that wisdom throughout my daily walk is critical, and it is an area in which we (all) can certainly grow! 

    I ask for your help and guidance, Lord, so that I do not take Your words of wisdom lightly. I want to move forward in my life without missing the opportunities to conduct myself wisely, influencing this world in ways that will draw proper attention to You. Enable me, Father, to be the man You want me to be, in the image of Your Son, through the wisdom found in Your Word!! Amen.

  • Deals, Diligence, and the Things God Hates

    The wise man advises that if you have shaken hands in a pledge with a stranger, you may find yourself trapped by the words of your mouth, as stated in Proverbs 6:1-2. Therefore, be wise in your business dealings: work diligently and exercise caution when selecting business partners. Furthermore, remain alert to the signs of foolishness displayed by untrustworthy individuals, and avoid depending on them in any venture. 

    There have been times when I have entered into agreements and later realized they were mistakes. God advises that if you find yourself in such a situation, do everything you can to withdraw from that agreement. Verse 3 advises that if you’ve made an unwise business deal, it’s wise to free yourself from it. Humble yourself and plead with your friend if necessary. 

    There is also great wisdom in observing diligence, as demonstrated by the ants in nature (Prov. 6:6-11). Ants work diligently without a boss overseeing them, gathering food in the summer and storing it for the harvest. Do you know anyone who is a lazy sluggard? Learn from your experiences! The sluggard should take note of the ant’s instinct to overcome laziness!! 

    In verses 12-19, we can see characteristics of the wicked man. The Lord lists six things that He hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 

    1. An arrogant attitude 

    2. A lying tongue 

    3. Hands that shed innocent blood 

    4. A heart that devises wicked plans 

    5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil 

    6. A false witness 

    7. One who sows discord among brothers 

    It is essential to note the strong language used in the Proverbs, such as “hate” and “abomination.” Society often teaches that, since God is so loving, He accepts us regardless of our behavior. However, the wisdom literature emphasizes that God “hates” wickedness, and the behaviors mentioned in verses 16-19 are detestable to Him. We should be mindful of such strong terms and reflect on whether any of these characteristics are present in our own lives. If God hates something, it will be equally abominable in my life as it is in the most wicked person. 

    While we may associate heinous crimes, such as murder, torture, etc., with being detestable, remember that prideful attitudes, lying tongues, etc., are also among the things God hates. Even stirring up discord among brethren is something the Lord despises, so remain vigilant against such behaviors. 

    Let us use wisdom in our daily lives and strive to be, as Jesus says, “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16, New King James Version). Being a child of God does not equate to weakness. On the contrary, we are called to possess strong moral character and actually to live out the faith we profess (Prov. 6:20-35; Matt. 27-30)!!! Jesus beckons us toward a higher calling, but so much of His teaching aligns perfectly with the principles found in this chapter. 

    May God bless us to be prudent in our business dealings, diligent in our responsibilities, and to avoid any/all associations that could lead us into trouble.

  • Choosing Wisdom Over Regret

    In Proverbs chapter 4, the fatherly instructor reflects on the teachings of his own father and advises his son to make the pursuit of wisdom his primary goal. Verse 6 states, “Love her, and she will keep you.” Verse 7 emphasizes that “wisdom is the principal thing,” while verse 8 encourages the young man to “exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor when you embrace her.” 

    In verses 10 through 19, the instructor explains that pursuing wisdom will bring order to one’s life! He warns the young man to avoid the path of wicked individuals, as verses 14-15 instruct, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.” Verse 19 states, “the way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” 

    Verses 20 through 27 stress the importance of paying attention to instruction. The instructor urges the young man to guide his ear, heart, mouth, eyes, and feet. Specifically, verse 23 advises, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Verse 26 instructs him to “ponder the path of your feet; let all your ways be established,” while verse 27 further advises, “Do not turn to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil.” 

    We can learn to avoid pitfalls through the wisdom shared in these proverbs. Reflecting on my own life, I often wish I had heard such teaching when I was younger. God’s word offers guidance that can save us from a world of heartache and regret. There are so many mistakes I’ve made in my youth that I wish I could take back; they still sometimes haunt my memory, memories of missed opportunities and lingering hurt. 

    We also could learn from the mistakes of others, thereby avoiding similar consequences. Often, God’s word teaches us about things to avoid, in order to escape the repercussions of sin. For example, engaging in reckless behaviors like drinking and driving can lead to severe lifelong consequences, such as arrest, being maimed, or killed in car accidents. Moreover, pursuing relationships that God does not ordain can leave lifelong scars, such as the implications of fornication and adultery. Those who commit various crimes may face significant legal consequences, including imprisonment. To put it another way, every sin has its price to pay. And even if God forgives one, some consequences of sin will carry with us throughout the rest of our journey on earth (2 Sam. 12:10-14).

    So, young man, pay attention to the wisdom shared with you. Remember that Satan has long sought to convince us that God is withholding something good, which is a great deception (Gen. 3:4-5; Jn. 8:44). In reality, God aims to protect us from a life filled with suffering and heartache. Make the pursuit of wisdom your principal objective, and it will support and uphold you!

  • Mercy, Truth, and Trust: Keys to Favor

    Much of Proverbs chapter 3 revolves around truisms—statements that are generally true. Following these teachings, one can usually expect favorable outcomes, although there may be exceptions to the rule. This chapter is rich in guidance, especially for the young. 

    Solomon instructs his son not to forget his teachings and to keep his commands in his heart. He writes that following this wisdom will lead to a longer life filled with peace (Prov. 3:1-2). However, this does not guarantee that one will live to a ripe old age; instead, it suggests that making wise decisions based on God’s word generally leads to a more favorable life (through the making of better choices). 

    The author emphasizes the importance of “mercy and truth” (yes, both), urging his son to keep them close, like binding them around his neck and writing them on the tablet of his heart. This means always incorporating God-like values into our consciousness. By doing so, one can find favor with both God and others. 

    A well-known verse in this chapter is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (vv. 5-6, New King James Version). Acknowledging God in all aspects of life requires a wholehearted commitment. By recognizing Him in every decision, we can trust that He will guide our paths. 

    When we allow God to lead us, we avoid relying solely on our own wisdom. We will honor the Lord with our possessions, and He will continually provide increase for us. Embracing God’s discipline, rather than resenting it, allows us to find true happiness in life, seeing things from God’s perspective (vv. 11-12). 

    God created the universe through His wisdom, and we can find safety and security by pursuing and following it (vv. 18-26). Additionally, we can put wisdom to use while helping others who are in need. Good and right thinking encourages us to act in faith for the betterment of others. 

    Moreover, wisdom teaches that we should not envy the oppressor, but rather, recognize the futility of following their ways. 

    While this chapter offers diverse guidance for young people, there are exceptions to this guidance. However, adhering to these truisms can help individuals make wiser choices, leading to more favorable outcomes (generally speaking). Lord, grant me more wisdom so that I can be a good steward of the many blessings You provide. In Jesus’ name, I ask for an increase in wisdom, and I pledge to put it to use in every aspect of my life.