Text: Proverbs 22:10-11 (ESV)

10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,

and quarreling and abuse will cease.

11 He who loves purity of heart,

and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

PURITY OF HEART

Scoffers are arrogant and unteachable. However, tolerating them being hardheaded troublemakers is not wise, especially over time. References to "scoffers" in Scripture evoke the type of person prone to insults and negative talks. When someone is consistently unreasonable, nothing is to be gained by keeping them around. (Mat 7:6) Such a person, more than often, initiates conflicts and arguments. This can even become abusive. The appropriate action, then, is to remove them from that group, discussion, or even from the church family. When the troublemaker is gone, much of the trouble goes with them as well.

A person may start bickering and slander, causing deep hurt. If he does not accept discipline, the congregation may have to excommunicate the troublemaker [1 Cor 5;9-13] At Ephesus, certain men whose conduct was so harmful to faith that they had to be removed from church life to protect the other members (1 Tim 1:19,20, 2Tim 4:14]

Unlike the scoffers, there are people who have pure hearts. They are discreet and tactful. They speak truth in tactful way and gain ample respect (Prov15:23; 16:13). This leads to the approval and trust of those in power. Wise kings listen to honest advice, even if it's not what they prefer to be told. (Prov 11:14; 15:31; 18:17; 19:20). Solomon is talking firsthand. He was a king who realized the best advisors were righteous men who spoke the truth. They were men whose gracious words flowed from a pure heart.

Another truth we can see is the connection between spiritual purity and gracious speech. Foul, biting words reveal an evil heart but measured, careful speech implies someone with a godly heart (Eph 4:29). The Pharisees are like them. That, Jesus called them a "brood of vipers.” He even rebuked them by saying, "How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." (Mat 12:34–35). Moreover, He also warned, "for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Mat 12:37).

What really matters is the matter of the heart.

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

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

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

Text: Prov 22:8-9 ESV

8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.

9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

-Prov 22:8-9 ESV

HAVE A BOUNTIFUL EYE

Those who take advantage of others by denying them justice will eventually pay a price. Nobody can rebel against God without reaping a harvest of judgment. Paul says in Gal 6:7 that a person will reap whatever he sows. A judge or ruler who participates in injustice can expect severe consequences. Solomon says,

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”(Prov 16:8).

In Hosea 10:13–14, the Lord predicted trouble for rebellious Israel. He states: "You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors, therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed."

Verse 9 uses a figure of speech, which literally refers to someone as "good in the eye." This simply means "generous" or "bountiful." He sincerely seeks the good of others and actively looks for ways to help those less fortunate. The "poor" here refers to the feeble, weak, and helpless. Some look upon poor or disadvantaged people as targets for abuse (Prov 22:16, 22). But, the person with "a bountiful eye" looks to the poor compassionately and responds with kindness.

In Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan, a priest and a Levite just looked at a man who was robbed, beaten, and left half dead. They passed by on the other side of the road. Evidently, they lacked "good eyes." The Good Samaritan, however, looked on the wounded man with compassion, stopped, and tended to his wounds. But he did even more; he brought the victim to an inn and provided for all his care (see Luke 10:25–35).

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

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

Text: Prov 22:7 ESV

7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

-Prov 22:7 ESV

THE RICH RULES OVER THE POOR

Definitely in this proverb, the statement that the rich rules over the poor is expanded in the second statement. In this case, Solomon notes that when someone takes a loan, the lender "rules" over them, much as a master would over a slave. Other proverbs noted the dangers of going into debt or attaching oneself to borrowing

1 “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,

have given your pledge for a stranger,

2 if you are snared in the words of your mouth,

caught in the words of your mouth,

3 then do this, my son, and save yourself,

for you have come into the hand of your neighbor:

go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor.” (Prov 6:1–3)

“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.” (Prov 11: 11:15).

Another way to look at this statement is in the business relationship dynamics. Understandably, employers are richer than their employees, are they not? They make the rules, and wise employees do follow them accordingly. Thus, the employee must be diligent and obedient. Otherwise, he will likely find himself dismissed from work, going away without a paycheck. It’s unwise to provoke the authorities.

A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. (Prov 19:12)

“ The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.”(Prov 20:2).

Do not believers belong entirely to the Lord? Yet, believers are free even when they are slaves. For whatever reason, the Lord intends not to free Christian slaves from their employers. Even then, they are to work as unto the Lord. He is to be their supreme Master. Paul says, "Obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."[Col 3:22–23] Definitely, this freedom is in the heart.

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

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

God’s Word for Today

10 Apr, 2025

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;

whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it.

-Prov 22:5,6 ESV

TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO

The “paths” in the book of Proverbs is a metaphor for the choices a person makes in life (see Prov 1:15–16; Psalm 119:35). Those who follow godly wisdom are on a path to safety and truth (Prov 12:28). Those who reject godly wisdom wander from that path. As a result, they suffer greater danger and will become lost (Prov 4:18–19). Indeed, the way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns but the path of the upright is a level highway. (Prov 15:19).

Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Mat 7:13–14). This is paradoxical. The road that seems smooth is rough at the end. However, those who choose to follow the narrow way may find it to be a hard road. Yet, Jesus leads the way and provides mercy and grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16).

This most quoted proverb offers sound advice for parents. When a child is raised with the right values and the right perspective, those lessons will last a lifetime (Eph 6:4). Literally, this implies that the rightly trained child will not deviate from this path. Of course, Solomon's proverbial counsel is not an iron-clad promise. We know that despite the direction in which godly parents point their child, he or she may choose to pursue the crooked path. Yet, a foundation of godliness gives the child something positive to "fall back on" when they come to their senses. The story of the prodigal son gives us hope that the child may realize his mistakes and resolve to go back to the right path (Luke 15:16–20).

The original wording here implies the idea of "dedicating" a child to God. The implication is that the child is being purposefully directed and immersed towards the Lord and His wisdom (Prov 1:7). Godly parenting is directing the steps of their children toward knowing God. Parents can trust that instructing their children about God and modeling to them a relationship with God will most likely persuade each child to believe the Lord and obey Him. If it does not, then those experiences will help to convict and change a stubborn heart later in life. This kind of child-rearing happened to Timothy. He was taught the Scriptures when he was a young child (2 Tim 3:15).

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

9 Apr, 2025

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD

is riches and honor and life.

-Prov 22:4 ESV

BE HUMBLE AND FEAR THE LORD

Proverbs are not absolute statements that guarantee results. For example, a doctor might say, "Eat healthy food and you will live longer," and the patient knows this will not make them immune to all diseases or accidents. In other words, poverty, dishonor, and death may happen to the humble. The reality about the apostles having suffered

Those who act according to the ultimate truth are more likely to succeed and less likely to suffer negative consequences than those who participate in sin.

“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.” (Proverbs 8:35–36)

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”(Prov 13:20).

To "fear" God is to recognize how great He is and act accordingly. The "fear of the Lord" is to revere, but it is not an abject terror. True reverence drives out pride and fills the heart with humility. For example, when Isaiah caught a glimpse of the Lord in heavenly glory, he exclaimed, "Woe is me! For I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" (Isa 6:5).

In the New Testament, when Peter saw Jesus perform the miracle of providing an abundant catch of fish, he said, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord" (Luke 5:8). To "fear the Lord" is to believe Him and submit to His control (Prov 1:7). This fear of the Lord does result to spiritual blessings, such as spiritual riches, the honor of membership in God's family, and eternal life. Could there be greater blessing compared to these?

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 22:3 (ESV)

3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

BE PRUDENT

Prudence is sometimes rendered as "shrewdness." Though shrewdness carries negative implications today. Our colloquial word for this is ‘street smart.’ In a good sense, he is a person who thinks about things and makes a beneficial choice accordingly. He is a man of foresight. However, the word translated "simple" does not mean a person who is not intelligent. Rather, he is a person who is unaware or inexperienced (Prov 1:4; 19:25). In some cases, it can refer to someone who is gullible or easily fooled (Prov 9:4; 14:15). The 'street smart' person sees danger coming and avoids it while the ignorant person walks right into trouble.

Solomon may have in mind the kind of trap enemies set to catch unsuspecting victims. Wise believers should be wise today. He should be aware of the devil’s traps and deceptions. The Lord teaches us to pray to be kept out of temptations and be delivered from evil. [Mat 6:13] Even Peter warns believers to be "sober-minded" and "watchful" for the adversary the devil "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8).

Let us be like Jesus. We must repel the devil by quoting and obeying Scripture.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God

and him only shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Mat 4:1–11).

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

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

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

Text: Proverbs 22:2 (ESV)

2 The rich and the poor meet together;

the LORD is the Maker of them all.

THE LORD IS OUR MAKER

How does God value people? Is it by their wealth? Definitely not! In the ancient world and even today, people often judge another's worth by their wealth. Thus, “the poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. (Prov 14:20).

All people are created in God's image (Gen 1:27). Salvation is available to all people alike.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16–18)

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”(Gal 3:28)

“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,

but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” [Proverbs 14:31].

A person can be either poor or rich yet be commended by God for his faith in Him (Heb 11:6). On the other hand, both could be defying God and His commands. Sadly, the wrath of god abides in Him. [John 3:36] God does not determine a person's worth by his bank account. Neither, does God use riches to indicate His level of approval to the person. The ultimate destiny of all people is to face God and be judged (see Heb 9:27) “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 11:4).

Remember. “The grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people,”[Titus 2:11] Money cannot make anyone more important in God's sight, but Jesus' redeeming grace makes all believers rich by becoming God's children. Paul says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." [2 Cor 8:9] No one is excluded from the love Jesus showed by dying on the cross. John states categorically that Jesus "is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."[ 1 John 2:2] It doesn't matter to the Lord whether a person is rich or poor. He promises: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37).

In short, the person who has everything in this world except Christ is the poorest. However, the poorest who possess nothing but Christ be the richest. Christ is our unsearchable riches[Eph 3:8] Do you have a relationship with Him? Is He your Savior and Lord?

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

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

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

Text: Prov 22:1 ESV

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

-Prov 22:1 ESV

CHOOSE TO HAVE A GOOD NAME

Today, when given the choice between a good reputation and a million dollars, what do people prefer more? It is money, isn’t it? However, Solomon expresses that it's better to be known for our integrity and morality than to be wealthy and associated with sin.

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,

2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:1–5)

5 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. (Prov 19:1).

What is the reason?

Riches could not directly buy happiness, peace, security, or eternal life. It has many advantages, but limited and temporary. However, a person made righteous in Christ is truly blessed. (see 2 Peter 1:5–8, 11) He receives joy, peace with God, security, and eternal life. This "favor" spoken of here is part of that positive image; a person known for goodness is much more likely to be helped and honored by those around them

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. (Prov 10:7)

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.(Prov 11:10).

The person who fears God has a good reputation that leads to trust and honor from others. Take for example the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She is praised and trusted for her integrity. "The heart of her husband trusts in her" (Prov 31:11) and later the passage declares, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" (Prov 31:28). Money cannot buy the admiration and love of others. however, a noble character that creates a good name can earn the admiration and love of many people. An important note for believers is that their goodness is the working of the Spirit, transforming their lives to be like Christ.

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

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

Text: Prov 21:30-31 ESV

30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

-Prov 21:30-31 ESV

VICTORY BELONGS TO THE LORD

No human effort could possibly undo God's intended purposes. The Lord has sovereign control of history. Man may try but he will fail. No power can trick Him, overcome Him, or out-maneuver His purposes. “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2) When someone thinks they can hide their sin from God, they won’t prosper (Psa 10:4, 11). It doesn't matter if someone means well and yet thinks they can bargain with the Lord or force Him to act according to their wishes (Deu 18:20; Rom 2:4; Gal 6:7). In short, the Lord is absolutely sovereign (Rev 19:6).

Paul writes: "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'[1Cor 3:19–20] " Psalm 2:2–3 states, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his Anointed, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.'" Yet, verses 4 and 5 depict the Lord as laughing at the nations' insolence and speaking to them in His wrath and terrifying them.

Verse 31 carries the idea in military terms as the strength of a nation. A nation may mount an impressive arsenal of weapons, but victory does not depend exclusively upon weapons. God's will is infinitely more powerful and is ultimately all that matters. King David understood that chariots and horses—the pinnacle of military technology in his time. But, it does not guarantee victory. He writes in Psalm 20:7–8: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." He also writes in Psalm 33:17: "The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue." A nation's success in battle is entirely dependent upon the Lord's will.

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

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

God’s Word for Today

3 Apr, 2025

A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.

-Prov 21:29 ESV

BE NOT ARROGANT

God condemns the arrogant for they are unwilling to learn. The "bold face" here is a description of someone ignoring advice or correction, acting as if they are still right (Prov 21:24). It can also imply someone using deceits and rants to convince other people to believe his lies. He tries to gain others' trust by putting on a hypocritical face that hides his deception. There is an imagery of a person scowling or displaying smug, as a stubborn child who refuses to be told "no." Such a person resists correction. When told to repent and believe, he hardens his heart. Indeed, stubbornness is its own form of sinful pride (Prov 29:1)

In contrast, a godly person is willing to hear advice (Prov 12:15). He even will change his mind when it's sensible (Prov 19:20). He is more self-reflective, carefully considering what he does. The godly man submits to the Lord. He repents when he is wrong and seeks forgiveness. He relates to others honestly and humbly.

The Pharisees practiced deception. Hence, Jesus said they were hypocrites (Mat 23:13). They appeared to be religious, but they were wolves in sheep's clothing. They appeared to be as clean on the outside, but in their hearts were full of rot and death, like painted tombs (Mat 23:27–28).

But God can change such hearts. Take for example the apostle Paul. At one time he was a proud Pharisee. He consented with the murder of Stephen (Acts 7:59—8:1), but the Lord changed his heart, and Saul became a submissive servant of the Lord (Acts 9:1–6). The persecutor then became the persecuted. He testified, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”[1 Tim 1:15-16]

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