Text: Proverb 25:11-12 (ESV)

11 A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

A WORD FITLY SPOKEN

There is a tremendous value of wise words offered at the right time. The comparison here is to an ornate object made with precious metals. This is about tactfulness. A well-chosen word may edify. It will communicate support, afffirmations, and agreement. It may also bring necessary rebuke. Or it may bring comfort, exhortation, guidance, or encouragement. The apostle Paul writes, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom" (Col 3:16). He added, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."[Col 4:6] The apostle Peter writes a similar exhortation in 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

The following verse gives essentially the same teaching, with an emphasis on correction. "Reproof" is a form of correction (Pro 5:12; 12:1; 15:31). An example of reproof is when someone tells another person, "You are wrong and need to change.” if that correction comes from a caring and tactful speech, it is immensely valuable (Prov 25:11). The value of correction is tied to a willing listener (Prov 1:23; 3:11; 10:17). To someone open to advice, wise words from a trusted counselor are precious (Prov 11:14; 15:22). Believers should strive to provide loving guidance to others rather than harsh and loveless criticism (Eph 4:15, 29, Gal 6:1, Prov 15:1).

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 25:6-7 (ESV)

6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence

or stand in the place of the great,

7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

PUT NOT YOURSELF FORWARD BEFORE KINGS

It is not wise to gate crash into the presence of a king or pretend to be great. The equivalent today is to a ‘social climber.’ The picture is someone overstating his importance, only to be "put in his rightful place." This teaching indicates that it's better to be overly humble, being lifted up, rather than be embarrassed when overreaching and being put down. This would imply one should avoid being embarrassed in front of the noble person. Other translations associate this phrase with the following proverb, which cautions against hastily taking matters to court.

Jesus used nearly this exact scenario in His parable of the wedding feast. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8–11).

The book of Esther shows how Esther humbly presented herself to King Ahasuerus in contrast to Haman who was arrogant. At significant risk, she presented herself to the king on behalf of her people who faced genocide. The king extended his golden scepter toward Esther as a sign of his favor, but Esther did not rush to make her request known. Instead, she touched the tip of the scepter and waited for him to ask. In contrast to Esther's humble approach, wicked Haman boldly asked to destroy the Jews. Ultimately, the proud Haman was embarrassed (Esther 3-6 ).

Let us remember today that humility is an important virtue. Don’t put yourself before others. Humility comes before honor.[Prov 18:12] The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. [Prov 22;4]

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Prov 25:4-5 ESV

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;

5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

-Prov 25:4-5 ESV

REMOVE THE DROSS FROM SILVER

A "dross" refers to impurities found in precious metals. Left alone, these corrode the strength and destroy the beauty of the material. It is removed by heating. Whatever is not burned separates from the melted silver and has to be scooped away. As a result, the silversmith can make fine and useful containers.

In Timothy 2:20–21, Paul implies that vessels of honorable use require precious materials and are refined to remove dross. First Peter 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 3:13–14 use similar analogies to make our faith pure. He does this to us to make us useful for his purpose. God won’t use a dirty vessel.

The idea of refining implies the purging of the influence of evil persons (Psa 119:119; Jer 6:29; Mal 3:2–3). Why? A ruler should depend on upright, honest counselors only to make wise decisions that benefit his subjects (Prov 11:14; 12:15; 20:18; 24:6; 29:14). This stresses the importance of a king in carefully selecting his advisors. Godly wisdom rejects evil and sin. And a good king listens to wise advisors (Prov 17:3, 14:35; 16:13).

Today, let us remember that Jesus will rule the earth in righteousness. He will remove the wicked as removing dross. Psalm 119:119 says, "All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross." Psalm 101:8 reads: "Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD." Isaiah 9:7 prophesies of Jesus, "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Prov 25:1-3 ESV

1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

-Prov 25:1-3 ESV

SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE

The divine inspiration of the Scriptures includes the scribes' collection of the proverbs in Proverbs 25—29. They are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16).

God is the only omnipotent, omniscient, perfect Creator, the Lord and He is entirely justified in choosing what He will or will not reveal. Recognizing God's glory does include accepting that He is far higher and greater than any created person (Isa 55:8–9). Finite beings can only grasp a limited sense of God's full nature (Rom 11:33). God expresses His glory to humanity both in what He reveals (Psa 19:1; Rom 1:18–20) and in what He chooses to leave unknown (Deut 29:29; Isa 45:15).

At the same time, rulers and those in authority have to diligently seek out truth. These leaders are charged with important earthly decisions. They have to seek God’s guidance. It would be foolish of them to rush to judgment. A decision made without knowing all the facts might prove disastrous (Prov 11:14; 18:13, 17). The same principle applies to our current government leaders. They should be wise to weigh matters carefully before making decisions.

‘As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.’ The comparisons of the king's heart to these enormous heights are hyperbole, a deliberate exaggeration for effect. This means the king, ruler, or other person in authority typically has knowledge unavailable to others, at times. This is our general observation but it is not absolutely true to all. Kings can be ignorant, uninformed, or oblivious. In most cases, however, those in authority have access to information that citizens and employees typically could not clearly see.

What does this mean to us? Similarly, it is important as well that as believers, we should be guided in our lives by the teachings of God's Word rather than by circumstances or emotions (Prov 1:7; 1 Cor 4:6, Jer 17:9; Rom 12:1–2).

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

God’s Word for Today

29 May, 2025

30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw and considered it;

I looked and received instruction.

33 A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

-Prov 24:30-34 ESV

THE PERIL OF LAZINESS

Should people sleep when they should be working, they demonstrate their stupidity as well as their laziness. They will surely end in poverty and disgrace. The state of the vineyard of a person will tell either his diligence or laziness. It was grown over with thorns." It had been long neglected so that even brambles were permitted to grow in the fields. Nettles had covered the face thereof." It was not weeded, and all kinds of rubbish had been suffered to multiply. The stone wall was broken down." This belonged to the vineyard, it was neither pruned nor dug and the fence, for want of timely repairs, had all fallen into ruins. [Prov 24:31]

The effect all this had on the attentive observer. Firstly, he saw it. he fixed his attention on it. he found it was no mere report. It is a fact. He myself was an eyewitness of it. Secondly, he considered it well, and he put his heart on it. All his feelings were engaged. Lastly, he looked upon it and took an intellectual view of it.

Thus I received instruction, that is, I received a very important lesson from it. But, the owner paid no attention to it. He alone was uninstructed. Why? He "slumbered, slept, and kept his hands in his bosom." [Prov 24:33]. "Hugged himself in his sloth and carelessness." The result is poverty described as a traveler coming nearer and nearer to the door.

What are the spiritual lessons learned here? Neglect brings barrenness or desolation to the garden of the soul. The “thorns” are evil habits that choke the good seed, and the “nettles” are those that are actually hurtful and offensive to others. The “wall” is the defense, which laws and rules give to the inward life, and which the sluggard learns to disregard, and the “poverty” is the loss of the true riches of the soul, tranquility, peace, and righteousness.

Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmg

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify

Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast

Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audible

Follow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio

#gospellightfilipino

#godswordfortoday

God’s Word for Today

28 May, 2025

28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;

I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

-Prov 24:28-29 ESV

AVOID HAVING A VENGEFUL ATTITUDE

Being a witness carries a legal language suggesting things like formal witness testimony in court (Ex 20:16; Pro 19:5). Here, however, it does not refer to someone lying. Rather, it simply says not to speak against others "without cause." There's a marked difference between speaking out about sin and wrongdoing, versus putting others out of spite or jealousy. The lesson here is broad, harmonizing with other verses regarding peace and unity (Mat 5:9; Rom 12:18).

The Lord had commanded the Israelites to love their neighbor as themselves (Lev 19:18) But, they didn't always obey His command. Disputes among themselves are inevitable. How to settle disputes? Leviticus 19:17 says, "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him." Let us take note that "deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil."[ Prov 12:20] It is always wrong to speak against others as well as flattery (Prov 29:5; Psa 12:2–3). Telling people what they want to hear, when it's not true or purposefully exaggerated is as much asin as lying (Prov 24:24–26).

On the other hand, we often hear this statement, "I don't get mad. I just get even." The first part is biblical but the second is entirely wrong. (Psa 37:8–9; Prov 16:32; Col 3:8), One attempts to "settle the score" by hurting another. Is it right to hurt to "make things even"? This will lead to petty offenses turning into feuds and insults leading to open war. Romans 12:17 commands: "Repay no one evil for evil." Hebrews 10:30 reminds us again that vengeance belongs to the Lord. When a believer believes someone has wronged him, he should resist the temptation to hurt that person (Prov 20:22). Instead, he should entrust it the Lord who is the perfect judge.

God is much better at it than we are. Thus, Paul admonishes us to "leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Rom 12:19). Paul cites Deut 32:35 where God takes on the role of an avenger. Psalm 94:1 also refers to the Lord as "God of vengeance." Whatever we think we might accomplish by our feeble efforts is counter-productive. Let us remember that the best response to sin and insults is to let the God of the universe make things right.

Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmg

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify

Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast

Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audible

Follow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio

#gospellightfilipino

#godswordfortoday

Text: Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)

27 Prepare your work outside;

get everything ready for yourself in the field,

and after that build your house.

PLAN, PREPARE AND PRIORITIES

The importance of proper priorities cannot be minimized. There are few schools of thought about this verse. The first is one ought to complete his basic labors before worrying about non-essentials. Secondly, one has to develop one's career and abilities before starting a family. Nevertheless, this is a reminder that one should ensure "the most important things" are tended to before spending time and effort on less critical subjects. All of these are compatible with the general theme of this proverb or saying, that is, it is best to plan one's work, and work for it. What are we doing today may prepare us for an opportunity in the future.

In a literal example, it would be unwise to construct a permanent home when one doesn't have crops planted yet. In the ancient world, most people were farmers. After the fields are growing is the proper time to put effort into less-crucial areas. Careful planning, in the present, was essential to ensuring there would be food and resources available in the future. Spending time and effort on lesser concerns, when survival was not yet covered, would have been foolish.

Without proper planning and preparation, a project is most likely to fail, isn’t it? Jesus pointed out the wisdom of careful planning. It is necessary to plan before building a tower. The failure to plan would abort the project, and people would ridicule the builder (Luke 14:28–30). Of course, no one should undertake a project without first considering His will. Psalm 127:1 counsels, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." In the New Testament, James says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"[ Jas 4:13–15] Indeed, the Lord is the builder so He is indispensable in all our endeavors.

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 24:23-26 (ESV)

23 These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.

24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”

will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 Whoever gives an honest answer

kisses the lips.

THE WRONG OF PARTIALITY

Partiality in judging is not good. Israel's judges were supposed to be impartial when deciding cases. Moses instructed them, "You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it." [Deut 1:17] He added, "You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous." [Deut 16:19] These injunctions provide wise counsel for today's judges, as well. Let us recall that Solomon was not only Israel's king but also the nation's judge. As such, he was obligated to decide cases wisely and administer justice equitably.

What causes a person to say to the wicked, “You are in the right”? He is doing this for selfish gain most likely. Such injustice may happen in response to a bribe, as a favor for a friend, out of fear of an influential person, or even due to personal preference. Such injustice contradicts what God and the public demand of a judge. They are to be fair, honest, and unintimated either to acquit the guiltless, and sentence the guilty appropriately. God does not acquit the wicked. His eyes are too pure to behold evil.[Hab 1:13] He abhors evil and punishes the wrongdoer. Psalm 25:8 declares, "Good and upright is the LORD." Consequently, a judge who administers justice with fairness can enjoy the inner satisfaction of doing the right thing. Also, for the most part, he will receive goodwill, and praise of law-abiding citizens. [see v.25]

A judge or any person ‘gives an honest answer kisses the lips.’ [v.26] This metaphor is grounded in the idea of a kiss being an expression of friendship and affection. The Hebrew words in this statement imply something sincere, "straight," and truthful. This corresponds to the idea of "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15). It is possible to be truthful and yet not be loving (Prov 15:1; 1 Pet 3:15). Yet it is impossible to be genuinely loving unless one is truthful. There is no love expressed in comforting lies. Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Verse 29 further expounds, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Prov 24:21-22 ESV

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,

22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

-Prov 24:21-22 ESV

FEAR THE LORD AND THE KING

The "fear" of God is the cornerstone of the entire book of Proverbs. (Prov 1:7). This is not panic or fright. To "fear" something or someone, in this sense, means to humbly perceive it from the right perspective. One must recognize God's authority as Creator, and His power, and resolve to act accordingly. There is a sense of awe and reverence towards God as a result.

Reverence for the Lord and respect for government leaders go hand in hand. A proper relationship with God produces respectful citizens. Government leaders are delegated authorities of God. Thus, an unruly citizen violates the command to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind by not respecting their authorities. The apostle Paul writes: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:1–4). Of course, this does not mean believers are bound to obey everything their governments command. When earthly authorities and laws direct people to sin, we are morally obligated to not follow but not through violent means. (Acts 5:29). Solomon's counsel about not associating with those who disrespect God and the civil authorities parallels the instruction of Moses, "You shall not fall in with the many to do evil" (Exos 23:2).

Scripture acknowledges that evil people do not always experience justice in this life. In fact, at times, it can seem as if immoral people benefit from their choices (Psa 73:2–3; Prov 24:1–2). Yet the Bible reminds us that rejecting godly wisdom brings great risks in this life (Prov 8:32–36) and damnation in eternity (Prov 10:24; 11:23). When such consequences occur, they can come abruptly, as noted in this verse.

Disobedience to authorities will lead to ruin. The word translated "ruin" does not appear in the Old Testament except here and several times in the book of Job. It implies piercing, suggesting a damaging, sudden, and painful experience. More often than not, those who reject God's law suffer the natural consequences of those choices. They would experience punishment from human government (Rom 13:1–5). Just when someone thinks they've "gotten away with it," disaster strikes.

The worst will come when the person dies in his rebellion and sin. He himself will be judged by God for his sins (Prov 11:4; Rev 20:11–15). But, there is hope in Jesus, who died for the forgiveness of all our sins.[2 Cor 5:21] Don’t be caught dead without Jesus.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Prov 24:19-20 ESV

19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,

20 for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

-Prov 24:19-20 ESV

BE NOT ENVIOUS OF THE WICKED

Being objects of trouble at the hands of unscrupulous people is inevitable. Jesus warned us that tribulations will come to God’s people. (John 16:33). Believers should be wise and careful. Yet, it does not make us immune to hardships from evil people. They commit wickedness and prosper. We see their lives are becoming better than the righteous. Thus, the feeling of envy sets in. The thought of doing wicked things is much better than doing righteous deeds. The answer to this problem is a matter of perspective. We have to look at them from the lens of God. “The evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.” God will judge all things and snuff out those who reject Him (Proverbs 24:20). The deeds of the wicked won’t succeed.

Whereas, the Lord cares for His own people and He holds them by His sovereign power. Nobody can snatch us from His hand. (John 10:27–29; 1 Pet 5:7). Furthermore, nothing can separate believers from God's love (Rom 8:38–39). The psalmist Asaph almost stumbled for being envious of the wicked. But, he discovered that God will bring the wicked to a day of reckoning (Psalm 73:16–20] In contrast, the righteous will be with the Lord forever. (Psa 73:22–26). Yes, the wicked may prosper for a brief time, but believers have eternal relationships with the Lord. They have a sure inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3–4). It is no wonder that Peter exhorted us to "put away…envy" (1 Peter 2:1). In short, it is ridiculous to envy people who have no hope and future.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram