Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

Proverbs 30 Devotional Study

with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

In Proverbs 30, Agur expresses his weariness and ignorance, questioning God's nature and name. He recognizes that God's word is true and a shield, warning against adding to it. Agur asks for two things: to be kept from falsehood and to have neither poverty nor riches, but enough to avoid temptation. The chapter lists four types of people who displease God: those who disrespect authority, those who are self-righteous, those who are prideful, and those who harm the poor. It also presents a series of threes and fours illustrating various aspects of life: things that are never satisfied (Sheol, a barren womb, land, fire); things that leave no trace (an eagle, serpent, ship, and a man with a virgin); things that make the earth tremble (a slave becoming king, a fool with food, an unloved woman finding a husband, a maidservant displacing her mistress); and small but wise creatures (ants, rock badgers, locusts, and lizards). The chapter emphasizes the importance of contentment, faithfulness, and trusting God. It warns against foolishness, slander, and anger, highlighting that God's wisdom is far more valuable than worldly pursuits.

Proverbs 29 Devotional Study

with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

This teaching focuses on the wisdom found in Proverbs 29, emphasizing the contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness. It highlights how wisdom involves responding well to correction, while foolishness is characterized by resisting it. The teaching also explores the impact of righteousness and wickedness on society, noting that when the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. Additionally, it explains the importance of justice in leadership, stating that a king who judges the poor faithfully establishes his throne forever.

The teaching warns against the dangers of flattery, urging listeners to value those who speak truth even if it's difficult to hear. It also emphasizes the importance of self-control and avoiding the fear of man, encouraging trust in the Lord instead. The teaching also discusses the need for parents to discipline their children. The overall message is a call to live in accordance with God's word and to embody the wisdom found in Proverbs, which is exemplified by Jesus.

Proverbs 28 Devotional Study

with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

Proverbs 28 discusses the societal implications of righteousness, justice, and following God's word. It contrasts the behavior of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting how they treat the poor, and how their actions impact their own lives and the lives of others. Good rulers care about justice and the poor, while wicked rulers are a curse and are not mourned when they die. The chapter emphasizes that it's better to be a poor person of integrity than a rich person who is crooked.

The teaching explores the concept of "sowing to the flesh" versus "sowing to the spirit," noting that those who live selfishly and oppressively are often fearful, while those who trust God prioritize love and justice over self-interest. Exploiting others for personal gain, such as through interest and profit, is condemned. The call is to live a life of faith and love, doing good to as many people as possible, and to be generous, walk in integrity, and strive to live according to God's moral law. The teachings in Proverbs are practical ways to examine our lives to see if we are living in self-interest or seeking to be generous.

Proverbs 27 Devotional

Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

This devotional focuses on Proverbs 27, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in daily life. Boasting about the future is foolish because we are not in control. Instead of self-praise, it is better to be humble and let actions speak for themselves. Jealousy is destructive, leading to foolish and sinful behavior. Open rebuke from a friend is more valuable than hidden love or the flattery of an enemy. It is important to be content with what God has given, avoiding harmful desires and covetousness.

The teaching highlights the value of true friends who offer honest counsel and challenge our thinking. "Iron sharpens iron," emphasizing that we grow through the influence of others. It is important to be connected to a local church community for support and help. The human appetite is never satisfied, so we should strive for contentment with God's provision. We should be faithful stewards of what God has given us, rather than being neglectful or always seeking more. Ultimately, living a life that glorifies God involves humility, wise decisions, contentment, and good friendships.

Proverbs 26 Devotional

Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

Proverbs 26 contains a series of proverbs about fools, followed by an answer to those proverbs. A fool acts according to his own desires, without considering God's word or thinking things through. Honor is not fitting for a fool, and a rod is more appropriate. It is important not to answer a fool in a way that makes you like him, but to show him the foolishness of his ways. This requires wisdom and discernment.

Sending a message with or to a fool is futile. Being wise in one's own eyes is worse than being a fool. A sluggard, who knows the right thing but refuses to do it, is also worse than a fool. It is important to avoid meddling in other people's quarrels. Deceiving one's neighbor, even in jest, should not be taken lightly.

Gossip undermines communities, and some people are divisive and seek to cause trouble. Be discerning of those who speak ill of others, as they may also speak ill of you. It is best to correct such people and then walk away from the conversation. Ultimately, wisdom would tell us not to be a fool, not to be wise in our own eyes, and not to associate with divisive people.

Proverbs 25 Devotional Study

Pastor Jason Van BemmelForest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

Proverbs 25 contains wisdom applicable to leaders, neighbors, and individuals. For leaders, it emphasizes the importance of curiosity, investigation, and surrounding oneself with righteous advisors, not those who are self-promoting. It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings to search them out. For neighbors, the teaching stresses loving one's neighbor, resolving conflicts directly, and avoiding gossip and slander. It encourages treating others as you would want to be treated. A word fitly spoken is invaluable, like gold, and a wise reproof should be given and received with a listening ear. The teaching also warns against false witness, which is as dangerous as a weapon.

The text advises against gluttony and overstaying one's welcome, and promotes generosity and kindness towards enemies. Self-control is essential, as a person without it is like a city without walls. The best news to share is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians should avoid aligning with the immorality of the culture. Jesus is presented as the embodiment of these principles, having lived them perfectly.

Proverbs 24 Devotional Study with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

Proverbs 24 emphasizes the importance of living according to God's wisdom, which includes discernment and skill for living well. Wisdom, honesty, obedience to authority, diligence, and hard work are key to a good life. Envy is one of the things that can derail a person from a life of wisdom. It is unwise to envy those who do not live according to integrity and wisdom, because they have more trouble than one might think. Wisdom is the skill to live right, understanding is seeing connections between actions and consequences, and knowledge is knowing the truth. Fools are not patient for these things and seek immediate gratification.

Other things that can derail a wise life include planning to do evil, devising folly, and scoffing at what is right. It is also important to not give up in the face of adversity. God is watching over our souls, understands our intentions, and will reward those who are faithful. The righteous may fall, but they will rise again, while the wicked will be ruined when they stumble. Do not rejoice when an enemy falls, because God may see this as scoffing. Instead, fear the Lord, honor those in authority, and do not join with those who do otherwise. Be diligent, plan ahead, and do your work. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and we need to humbly ask the Lord to write wisdom on our souls.

Proverbs 23 Devotional Study from Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

This teaching focuses on the wisdom found in Proverbs 23, emphasizing the need for discernment and self-control. It cautions against the deceptive nature of a ruler's delicacies, which are offered with hidden agendas. Similarly, the generosity of a stingy person is not genuine. The teaching warns against the pursuit of wealth, highlighting that true value lies in wisdom and truth, not fleeting riches. It stresses the importance of justice and ethical behavior, urging people to avoid taking advantage of others. The teaching also underscores the significance of raising wise children who follow the Lord. It cautions against the dangers of drunkenness and gluttony, explaining that such behaviors lead to poverty and can influence those around them. The passage urges listeners to pursue wisdom, instruction, and understanding, rather than indulging in the appetites of the flesh, such as gluttony, drunkenness, and sexual immorality, which are traps leading to slavery.

Proverbs 22 Devotional Study with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

Proverbs 22 contains wise sayings, or truisms, that offer practical life advice but are not to be taken as promises from God. For example, a good name is more valuable than riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and poor will meet before God, who is the maker of them all, so it is better to be humble and fear the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it," is not a promise, and should not be used to justify harsh parenting. Instead of behavior modification, parents should teach their children to trust the Lord, pray, think, and grow in God's love. Discipline should be done with love and patience, not with an overly strict, micromanaging approach.

Generosity to the poor is also emphasized, as is staying out of debt. Those with wealth should share and not exploit the poor, as God is gracious and generous to those who are spiritually poor. People should treat others as they would want to be treated and should strive to live with integrity, humility, and justice.