Text: Prov 22:26-27 ESV

26 Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.

27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

-Prov 22:26-27 ESV

SECURITY STARTS IN YOURSELF

The book of Proverbs warns many times over against unwise risks associated with other people's finances. A wise person avoids being caught up in cosigning for a loan or agreeing to pay for debts (Proverbs 6:1–5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16). The terms "pledges," "surety," or "security" are equivalent to "collateral" in modern banking. The scripture does not teach that we should never lend, or never give. Rather, we should do it with much caution. Be careful not to place your resources in jeopardy over another person's irresponsibility. Security starts in yourself. Have you not wondered why the advice in case of emergencies on the plane is for parents to put their own masks first before their children?

Should the borrowing person could not fulfill the terms of the loan, the creditor may demand the debtor's furniture as payment. The creditor may go after the person who has put up the "security" or "surety" for someone else's loan. He is going to loss his property.

In the Old Testament, Mosaic law provided protections for those who were so destitute that their collateral involved basic needs. A poor person may offer his cloak as a pledge. And when he can’t pay his debt, the creditor had to return it before sundown. Otherwise, the poor borrower would not be able to sleep in it. Thus Moses commanded Israel, "And if he [i.e. the man who pledges his cloak] is a poor man, you shall not sleep in his pledge. You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the LORD your God."[ Deut 24:12–13]

In the eyes of God, we are helpless and bankrupt, are we not? Jesus is our guarantor of a better covenant. [Heb 7:22] Thus, He served as the "security" or "surety" for sin debt. He took upon Himself responsibility to do all that the covenant demanded for the salvation of those who would receive its provisions. In other words, we are only secured should He is our soul’s guarantor. He paid the sins he did not commit so that we can be free from the judgment of sins we do commit.

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Text: Prov 22:24-25 ESV

24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,

25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

-Prov 22:24-25 ESV

BEFRIEND NOT AN ANGRY MAN

An angry man is someone who cannot control their temper. The Bible clearly warns against such unrighteous anger. It should be noted that not all anger is immoral. Paul stated, "Be angry and do not sin" (Eph 4:26). But, Paul commands also, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Eph 4:31).

There is a risk in befriending him. Neither have friendship nor business dealings with such person. There is a boundary to observe. As Paul exhorts, “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” (1 Cor 5:9–10). Rather, it means we should seek not to be influenced by such persons. Associating closely with a wrathful person also contradicts the stern warning by Paul, that is, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"[ 2 Cor 6:14]

What are the risks in befriending them? Hot headed person can lead to fights and drag others into them. ‘A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.’ (Prov 29:22). Those who lose control of their tempers often accumulate enemies. ‘A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.’ (Prov 14:17). Further, having an intimate friendship with such a person means accepting a bad influence. In subtle ways, they can corrupt others into acting the same way. ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.’ (Prov 13:20). The counsel is “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33).

Avoiding them is avoiding a snare. A "snare" is a kind of trap used to capture animals. The allusion to becoming entangled in a snare by adopting a hothead's anger and behavior presents an urgent warning to anyone who might consider befriending a "hothead:" a person lacking control of their rage.

This warning is quite relevant to teenagers, who are more prone to enter into risky relationships. As Solomon exhorts them in Proverbs 1:10–15, that is, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …' my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths." Choosing the right friends is a mark of maturity.

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God’s Word for Today

24 Apr, 2025

22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate,

23 for the LORD will plead their cause

and rob of life those who rob them.

-Prov 22:22-23 ESV

DO NOT EXPLOIT THE POOR

Again, this proverb emphasizes the care of the feeble, weak, helpless members of society. (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 22:16). These disadvantaged people are easy prey from wicked people. They could easily manipulate the poor and get what little they had.

They did it at the city gates. City gate is the place where legal matters were tried and decided (Deu 22:15; Ruth 4:11). It is also the place where business was transacted.[Gen 34:20] Parents could take their rebellious son to the city gate for sentencing (Deut 21:18–21). The prophet Amos identifies the gate as the place where justice was established. [Amos 5:15] it is sad that powerful people can take advantage by using bribery, lies, manipulations, and underhanded tactics to win cases against the defenseless. Definitely, scripture speaks against such evil. Supposedly, the rich and powerful are charged with caring for others, not exploiting them.

The poor and disadvantaged should be treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and fairness. Those who violate the rights of the weak can expect dire consequences. The LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them (v:23). James writes that the cries of the poor laborers "have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (Jas 5:4).

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God’s Word for Today

23 Apr, 2025

17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 That your trust may be in the LORD,

I have made them known to you today, even to you.

20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings

of counsel and knowledge,

21 to make you know what is right and true,

that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

-Prov 22:17-21 ESV

KEEP HIS WORDS WITHIN

Scholars suggest the thirty proverbs given between here and Proverbs 24:22 were compiled from the sayings of other wise men (Prov 22:20–21). Solomon exhorts readers to give careful attention to these proverbs and put them into practice.

17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,

and apply your heart to my knowledge,

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,

if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 That your trust may be in the LORD,

I have made them known to you today, even to you. (Prov 22:17–19).

It is important to not merely hear God's Word, but also to trust and obey Him. The apostle James writes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas 1:22). Even Jesus said, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Mat 7:24). The comparison indicates that hearing and applying Jesus' teachings enables a person to withstand trials and temptations. Simply hearing Jesus' words without obeying them is like someone who knows the best place to build a house but chooses an inferior location. This leaves a person vulnerable to the trials and temptations that confront him.

He who receives good advice and applies it is much more likely to experience success and safety (Prov 1:33; 12:15; 8:34-36; 12:15). Following godly wisdom is the most reliable way to avoid disaster, is it not? (Prov 1:7;10:16).

We must ‘keep them within’[v.18]. Keeping His words means we are to memorize them. The psalmist writes in Psalm 119:11: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." In verse 97 he expresses his excitement, "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." Then, he exclaims in verse 103, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" I pray the we would be like the prophet Jeremiah who exclaims;

“our words were found, and I ate them,

and your words became to me a joy

and the delight of my heart,

for I am called by your name,

O Lord, God of hosts.”[Jer 15:16]

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Text: Prov 22:16 ESV

16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

-Prov 22:16 ESV

DO NOT OPPRESS THE POOR

This proverb is believed to be the end of a long string of proverbs attributed to Solomon, which began in chapter 10 (Prov 10:1).

Solomon assures his readers that taking advantage of the poor and trying to buy the favor of those who are wealthier than themselves results in poverty. Remember that he was extremely wealthy as a king but he championed the cause of the poor. (2 Chron 9:22) He voices out against those who oppress disadvantaged people, for the benefit of those who are already well off.

Undoubtedly, greed can lead to temporary success in life. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. (Prov 21:6), But, God's justice cannot be avoided forever (Prov 24:12). Those who reject the Lord's wisdom, to seek money, will eventually lose both their wealth and even their souls (Luke 12:19–21).

The "poor" are feeble, weak, helpless people. Take note that the apostle James also advocates for the poor. He condemns the rich who oppress them. He writes: "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (Jas 5:4). Moreover, James points out what happens to those who have money yet lack integrity. He says: "Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and the corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire" (Jas 5:2–3).

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Text: 1 Cor 15:54-58 ESV

54 Then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

-1 Cor 15:54-58 ESV

LET US CELEBRATE OUR VICTORY IN CHRIST

At the coming of Jesus, believers will be transformed into glorified bodies to spend eternity with God. This is what we and the whole creation is waiting for (Rom 8:19). The moment mentioned by Isaiah 25:8 when "Death is swallowed up by victory." And Paul quoting Hosea 13:14, Jesus’ coming is taunting sin in defeat, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

The resurrection of Jesus from the grave was the beginning of the end for death and the "one with the power of death, who is, the devil" (Heb 2:14). When Jesus rose from death, he conquered sin, death, Satan, and hell. However, for now, believers are still to die physically. Yet, we have this living hope that because Jesus rose from death, dead believers would rise one day during His coming. The moment they are given redeemed, glorified resurrection bodies in an instant. This is the end of the end for death. This will culminate in the complete and total elimination of death and evil (Rev 20:14). For the time being, believers will continue to experience an inner groaning, a sense of dissatisfaction, until this longed-for moment, when our bodies are redeemed by this promised, death-defeating transformation (Rom 8:23).

Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, believers are victors already. And they have to appropriate this victory. Let us celebrate our victory. In what way? Paul exhorts, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”[v.58]

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Text: John 19:28-30 ESV

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”

29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

-John 19:28-30 ESV

IT IS FINISHED

Today, we commemorate the excruciating death of our Savior at the cross. While hanging, He was given a ‘sour wine’. It was either something meant to numb pain (Mat 27:34), should be so harsh liquid that worsened Jesus’ thirst (John 19:28). Jesus knew He was soon to die.

Then, He declared, “It is finished!’ He used the Greek word ‘tetelestai.’ This word is found inscribed on records to indicate debts have been paid for, or obligations which have been met. Jesus' shout was a shout of accomplishment. That is the atonement for sin on behalf of mankind (2 Cor 5:21 It was entirely and fully completed in this moment. "It is finished." Complete. Perfect. No further work needs to be done. (Titus 3:5). There are no requirements for other actions, rituals, sacraments, sacrifices, or payments to accomplish salvation (1 Pet 3:18; Hebrews 10:12–14).

Moreover, He was dead. Jesus "give up his spirit.” What is the significance? (Mat 27:50; Luke 23:46). From a physical standpoint, Jesus' body has suffered severe injury. And yet, His death is entirely an act of His own will. He chose to die. He did not die as a victim. He was willing to be born into human form (John 1:14); to submit to God's will (Mat 26:39), and to allow His own arrest and execution (Phil 2:8). Apparently, Scriptures clarifies that Jesus is "giving up" His life to satisfy the wrath of God the Father. It is not being stripped away from Him by force (John 10:17–18).

Today, let us not resort to emotionalism and sentimentalism without action. Good Friday is supposed to be good enough for us not to grieve alone but repent. It is a celebration for our forgiveness and salvation. And we should respond by offering our lives as living sacrifices to God. [Rom 12:1,2]

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God’s Word for Today

17 Apr, 2025

The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;

he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

-Prov 22:14 ESV

A DEEP PIT

A pit is a disguised hole used to capture or injure prey. Falling into it means being trapped. The “forbidden woman" is a personification of temptation (Prov 2:16; 7:4–10). Sin, as a seductress woman, seems attractive and welcoming but what it draws us away from God into sin. In fact, the result of following temptation is death and ruin.

Blessed is the one who listens to me,

watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors.

For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains favor from the Lord,

but he who fails to find me injures himself;

all who hate me love death.” (Prov 8:34–36)

Following our sinful urges is as dangerous as walking unaware towards a deep trap. James says; “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”[Jas 1:13,14]

Undergoing temptation is not sin until we do it. A fish is not caught while nibbling the bait until it swallows it with the hook. God wants us to recognize our weakness towards temptation. Thus, he teaches us to pray;

“And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.” [Mat 6:13]

Sadly, he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it. God is angry with the proud. And, they are prone to fall into temptation.

Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall.[Prov 16:18]

Today, let us not presume that the roads we are going are smooth. There might be traps the devil has placed for us to stumble to sin. Remember, he can transform himself into an appearance of an angel of light. Let us not be proud but humble to acknowledge God to lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.

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God’s Word for Today

16 Apr, 2025

13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!

I shall be killed in the streets!”

-Prov 22:13 ESV

THE PROBLEM OF THE SLUGGARD

Laziness is one of the often-repeated subjects in the book of Proverbs (Prov 6:6–11; 12:24; 18:9; 19:15). Here, Solomon notes the absurd reasoning to which lazy people make as an excuse for their lack of effort. The alibi that a lion might be lurking in city streets is exaggerated and silly, is it not? Lazy people have the knacks of manufacturing reasons for their irresponsibility. They are governed by fear not to take risks. They make mole hills to appear as mountains. There are countless variations of excuses given by those who can work, but are lazy to work, as they try to evade shame and embarrassment.

Even if the excuse has some measure of truth such as fear of embarrassment or distaste for a task, it is still an unreasonable excuse for refusing to meet one's obligations, is it not? Work is a need not an option. One could not postpone his hunger.

Let us take note also that Christians should be as supportive as possible of those legitimately prevented from earning a living. James says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Jas 2:15–17; Prov 29:7) And, the church should admonish the lazy to be responsible. Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2 Thess 3:10-12).

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Text: Proverbs 22:12 (ESV)

12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,

but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

THE LORD WATCHES OUR WORDS

We have learned that those who heed God’s wisdom have the likelihood of success. (Prov 1:7; 8:34–36) Thus, they are less likely to experience disasters as consequences of their foolishness and sin. In that sense, God's protective power is expressed through truth and knowledge. However, a person who is dishonest or deceptive is acting directly contrary to those principles. Thereby, they defy God. His eyes are perfect to behold evil. As God is a God of truth, only those who are true will last while liars will eventually falter (John 16:13;1 Cor 3:13; Mat 12:36; Luke 12:2).

The truth is oftentimes God does permit difficulties to test the genuineness of our faith and character, does he not? James writes, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (Jas 1:2–4). Embracing trials as allowed by God makes one mature in his faith.

The Lord despises deceitful and dishonest words. Words either build up the hearers or hurt them. Paul exhorts believers: "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 metaphor of salt has two important implications; to preserve and flavor. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”[prov 15:1] “With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone” [Prov 22:15]

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