Collars & Calluses

Taken from Bill's series on Proverbs: https://www.cornerstonereformedcrec.org/proverbs

Bill's full series of sermons on Proverbs can be found here:

In this episode of Collars & Calluses, Bill and Rich begin a Proverbs-based discussion on wealth for young men, rejecting both the prosperity gospel (wealth equals godliness) and a “poverty gospel” (poverty equals godliness) in favor of a biblical call to productivity, fruitfulness, and dominion. They argue wealth is good yet dangerous and powerful, and should be pursued lawfully, enjoyed with gratitude, and used generously for building families, churches, institutions, and civilization. They broaden “wealth” beyond money to include children, peace, wisdom, and eternal riches, and explain that wealth comes from wise labor applied to God’s creation. They stress honoring the Lord with possessions through tithing as an abiding baseline rooted before Moses, discuss practical questions about tithing, and emphasize giving as worship rather than “paying God off.”

Bill and Rich continue their discussion on appetites by focusing on the abuse of substances—alcohol, food, and drugs—framed in Proverbs as gluttony and drunkenness. They explain Proverbs 20:1 (“wine is a mocker”) as a warning that alcohol and other mind-altering substances can master a man, impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and lead to sin, irresponsibility, and loss of trust. They emphasize personal responsibility, masculine self-control, and stewardship of the body, arguing that using substances to escape problems is effeminate and destructive. They contrast lawful enjoyment of God’s gifts (wine) with sinful misuse, warn that appetites can be exploited through “deceptive food” and “wine and dine” manipulation, connect addiction to sloth and poverty, critique cannabis as inherently impairing, and describe drug abuse as opening people to demonic influence.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Bill and Rich introduce a Proverbs-themed discussion on alcohol, drugs, and how substance abuse can derail a young man’s mission, citing 2024 U.S. data on widespread alcohol and drug use disorders and describing visible local impacts in Carbondale, Illinois and elsewhere. They argue modern therapeutic culture reframes sin as “disorder,” obscuring responsibility. They stress starting with God’s good creation: appetites, food, drink, and feasting are affirmed throughout Scripture, while rejecting God’s gifts can be a “doctrine of demons.”

Bill and Rich continue their Proverbs series on anger, framing it as a crucial issue for young men pursuing God’s creational mandate and biblical masculinity. They distinguish righteous anger (constructive and properly aimed) from unrighteous anger (destructive), warning from Galatians 5:19–21 that outbursts of anger are works of the flesh with eternal consequences. They discuss common objects and expressions of sinful anger—anger at God, self, circumstances, and others—along with revenge, bitterness, generational resentment, venting online (Proverbs 29:11), suppression leading to explosive rage, and rumination that fuels bitterness and depression. The episode emphasizes disciplining anger through patience (being “slow to anger”), describing it as strength (Proverbs 16:32) and as a faith-rooted self-discipline learned through trials rather than a quick technique. They encourage taking responsibility for one’s reactions, cultivating gratitude, guarding friendships (Proverbs 22:24–25), practicing forgiveness, and turning uncontrollable grievances over to God through prayer, including the imprecatory psalms as a way to leave vengeance to the Lord.

This week, enjoy this conference talk on masculinity and femininity from Rich. We will be back next week with our next episode on anger.

In this episode of 'Collars & Calluses,' Rich and Bill delve into the theme of anger, drawing insights from the Book of Proverbs. They explore the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger, emphasizing the importance of controlling anger to avoid destructive outcomes and instead channeling it positively. Covering topics like the influence of social media, empathy, the significance of prayer, and self-anger, this episode provides practical advice for young men on managing their emotions in a way that glorifies God. Contact: [email protected]. X handles: @wrs2_ and @Vicar1973.

In this episode of Collars & Calluses, Bill and Rich discuss the traits to look for in a future wife based on Proverbs 31. They explore the importance of generosity, courage, adornment, and wisdom in biblical womanhood. The conversation delves into the cultural shift in femininity and the significance of a woman being anchored to her home. They encourage young men to diligently pursue a Proverbs 31 woman and underscore the need to vet potential spouses thoughtfully. For questions and comments, contact [email protected]. Follow Bill on X: @wrs2_ and Rich on X: @Vicar1973.

In this episode of Collars & Calluses, Bill and Rich explore the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman, providing young men with advice on how to find a future wife who exhibits integrity, industry, and joyfulness in her duties. The discussion highlights the importance of a woman's character, her ability to manage a household, and her commitment to her family. The hosts also emphasize the need for young men to look for women who are on a positive trajectory in life, striving towards the virtues outlined in Proverbs 31. For questions or comments, listeners can contact the hosts at [email protected]. Follow Bill on X @wrs2_ and Rich on X @Vicar1973.