God’s Word for Today

2 Apr, 2025

A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

-Prov 21:28 ESV

LIARS WILL PERISH

Liars will perish. “No lie will prevail forever. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Prov 12:19). There are consequences such as criminal charges, social outrage, or even vengeance from those they hurt. “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. (Prov 19:5) “ A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.”[Prov 19:9). In another sense, chronic or habitual liars are doomed to suffer God's wrath (Prov 6:16–19). Revelation 21:8 puts lying in the same category of sins as cowardice, disloyalty, depravity, murder, sexual sin, sorcery, and idolatry. Obviously, God, who is holy and true, detests lying. The lake of fire will be the destiny for those whose lives are defined by those types of evil.

In contrast, the righteous are not only to learn wisdom, but they also find themselves preserved by the Lord until eternity (Prov 3:1–6; 9:10–11; 1:7; John 14:6). God praises him who listens carefully and absorbs what he hears. He is an upright, truthful, and dependable witness. Like the apostles, saying, "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).

However, there is hope for liars and all sinners who do sincerely repent and trust in Jesus as their Savior will avoid judgment. God's grace is strong enough to save even the foremost sinner (1 Tim 1:14–16; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

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Text: Proverbs 21:27 (ESV)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;

how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS DETESTABLE

Scripture often reminds us that God judges more than mere actions. Every act is inspired by attitudes, thoughts, and motives, which matter just as much to the Lord (Mat 5:21–22, 27–28). Here, the Bible notes that when the "wicked," meaning those ungodly and guilty, try to offer Him gifts or sacrifices, He is repulsed. The Hebrew root word translated as "abomination" here literally means something disgusting. Earlier in the book of Proverbs, Solomon noted that God despises sacrifices from wicked people, but accepts even the prayers of righteous persons (Prov 15:8).

What repels God is not the sacrifice itself, but the intent of the person making it. God rebuked the Jews not for failing to offer sacrifices but for doing it with irreverence. They think God is as His creature to feel hungry and in in need. [Psa 50:7-15] It's bad enough when someone who defies God attempts to offer sacrifice. It's even worse when that person thinks they can offer sacrifice to make up for sins for which they have no repentance. In other words, God is especially sickened when a person feels no remorse for sin and thinks they can buy God's forgiveness. Likewise, when someone tries to gain God's favor in some inappropriate scheme.

The Lord instituted the Old Testament sacrificial system and intended it to be used by worshipers whose hearts were sincere in honoring Him. Though the sacrifices were external, there should be tangible evidence of the person's internal faith. Outward sacrifices were never intended to be a substitute for a broken and contrite heart. Although the sacrificial system was fulfilled when Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice believers today may offer their bodies to God as a living sacrifice (Heb 10:13–14; Rom 12:1–2). Take for example in giving money to God. He wants us to give willingly and joyfully as our way to worship Him (2 Cor 9:6–8). Yet it is detestable to give money to God with the purpose of appeasing Him or obtaining His help for personal gain. Let’s be warned not to be like Simon the magician. “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [Acts 8:18-20]

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Text: Proverbs 21:25-26 (ESV)

25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,

for his hands refuse to labor.

26 All day long he craves and craves,

but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

THE UNMET CRAVING OF THE SLUGGARD

There is a big difference between those who "won’t work" versus those who "cannot" work due to physical or mental disability and illness. The latter struggle to work or provide for themselves. Thus, they should be cared for. However, the person too lazy to work does not deserve to be fed or supported, does he? We are warned not to waste resources unto them which could rightly be used to help those truly in need (2 Thess 3:10; Prov 14:21; 22:22).

These two verses [v.25 and 26] present a moral failure in laziness. But, we praise for those through righteousness turn away from idleness. A "sluggard" is someone lazy or habitually slow to act (Prov 6:6; 10:26; 19:24; 20:4; 26:14). The "desire" of such a person is to enjoy life by doing nothing. Acting according to this preference is killing themselves. Most likely, a sluggard will struggle in his finances, career, relationships, and health. Verse 26 notes that the lazy person is a bottomless pit of "wants." All day long he craves but has nothing to satisfy his craving. Obviously, one’s hunger won’t go away if he has nothing to eat or fill his stomach.

In contrast, the righteous person is like a never-ending well of generosity (Proverbs 21:26). Unlike the sluggard, he is diligent in work and is able to provide for his own needs and help others.

The Bible portrays work as both necessary and good. It is not a curse. In the garden of Eden, God charged Adam with the responsibility to work and take care of the garden. This is termed by most theologians as cultural mandate. God designs man to be creative and productive. Old Testament characters are noted for their trade and work like shepherds or farmers. A few of Jesus' disciples were fishermen (Mat 4:18). Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, was a craftsman of some type, likely a carpenter, in which Jesus’ learned (Mat 13:55). Luke was a doctor (Col 4:14). Cornelius was a soldier (Acts 10:1). Simon was a tanner (Acts 9:43). Lydia was a seller of purple cloth (Acts 16:14). Paul, the great missionary, worked as a tentmaker while he preached (Acts 18:1–4). Colossians 3:23 exhorts: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Obviously, the Lord regards and rewards diligent work highly.

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Text: Prov 21:23-24 ESV

23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

-Prov 21:23-24 ESV

LESS TALK, LESS TROUBLE

There is great danger of unrestrained speech. Some people talk too much, to their own detriment. If Solomon recognized this in an era without internet, how much more today. In an era where every word can be recorded, broadcast, and criticized, Solomon's counsel is as appropriate today as when he gave it. He who guards his mouth and his tongue spares himself a lot of trouble. A life indulged in empty talk, gossip, slander, and cursing have ruined many who would have stayed out of trouble if they had kept their mouths shut. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”[Prov 17:28] Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.[A, Lincoln]

This is not easy as the tongue is difficult to control. The apostle James writes, "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man" (Jas 3:2). He describes the tongue as a "a small member, yet it boasts of great things" (Jas 3:5), "a fire, a world of unrighteousness" (James 3:6), and "a restless evil" (James 3:8).

Basically, these people who talk so much are filled with pride. “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. [v.24] Asaph describes wicked men as scoffers who "set their mouths against the heavens" (Psa 73:9). These people have a high opinion of themselves, presuming themselves more important than others, including God. God won’t be mocked. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18]. Nimrod led the world to build a tower to contest God in their arrogance, but God judge them by confusing and dispersing them. King Nebuchadnezzar and Herod did the same but God brought them to humiliation.

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Text: Prov 21:22 ESV

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust..

-Prov 21:22 ESV

WISDOM IS STRENGTH

Wisdom is the key to success in life.(Prov 3:1–8; 16:20). Here, Solomon poetically depicts wisdom enabling a man to climb the walls of a fortified town and bring down its defenses. Wisdom provides strength and security which can overcome any physical advantage.

The wisdom of God is revealed in the truth of Christ’s crucifixion. Paul confidently says, “ And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor 2:1–5)

Thus, an ordinary and humble believer armed with the wisdom of the gospel can break through the barriers in which unbelievers trust. Take for example when Paul was in Athens. He declared the gospel to the philosophers assembled on the Areopagus and called for them to repent. As a result, "some men joined him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them."[Acts 17:34] God can bring down their confidence in their good works or their trust in their own intellect to trust the gospel message.

Paul writes in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Thus, we can confidently declare the gospel and expect results.

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God’s Word for Today

26 Mar, 2025

19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.

20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

-Prov 21:19.,20 ESV

THE WISE STEWARD

The harsh conditions of a desert are preferable to the harsher conditions in such a home wherein the wife is quarrelsome. This is a repeat of v.9. Solomon observes that luxury and comfort cannot make up for a negative, toxic relationship with one's spouse. The general idea applies to either sex (see Prov 19:13; 27:15). For the sake of harmony each spouse must overlook the other's faults. Self-sacrificing love is the glue that binds husband and wife together in a joyful marriage. Love is ‘patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.’[1 Cor 13:4–5]

In contrast to the foolish spender, the man who stewards well his blessings is commended. He takes care not to run out of important supplies. Good stewardship involves guarding resources and using them wisely. A wise manager is not stingy or greedy, but charitable. However, the foolish man does not see his possessions as God's investment in need of wise management. Like a wild animal, he gulps down his riches like a prey. He focuses on immediate pleasure. He loves pleasure more than anything else. [Prov 21:17) and leaves nothing for his need in the future.

A vivid example of this lifestyle is seen in the parable of the prodigal son. That man foolishly took his share of the inheritance and wasted it through pleasure-seeking. When all his resources were gone, he took a lowly job feeding pigs. He was starving to the point of wishing he could eat the pig's food. That experience demonstrates the warning given in this passage. (Luke 15:11–32)

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God’s Word for Today

27 Mar, 2025

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

will find life, righteousness, and honor.

-Prov 21:21 ESV

PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND KINDNESS

A life marked by virtues such as kindness and morality tends to result in longer life, spiritual growth, and honor. Of course, this is not an absolute rule, since good people can suffer unfair treatment in this life. Generally, what we sow we reap. Sowing kindness may reap kindness in return.

This pursuit involves a proper relationship with God and man, respectively. He exhibits "righteousness" to God and shows "kindness" to men. These are referred to as "vertical" and "horizontal" relationships, respectively. Indeed, those who sincerely seek Christ, and His goodness can expect eternal rewards (Mat 6:33). If we take care our relationship with God firstly, then all our relationships with others would God takes care.

Jesus echoed this truth by saying, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Mat 5:6). When a person believes on Jesus as Savior, he receives eternal life and righteousness (John 3:16; 2 Cor 5:21). As his heart is changed, he would show kindness to others, they honor him.

An example in the book of Acts is Dorcas. “She was full of good works and acts of charity."[Acts 9:36] When she died, her peers honored her. They summoned Peter, and with tears, all the widows showed him the tunics and other garments that Dorcas had made (Acts 9:39). The good deeds we do are like seeds planted in the hearts of people. They may impact their lives to do the same towards others.

We do good not in order to become righteous before God. Our righteousness is a gift from God.[2 Cor 5:21] We do good because we are righteous through Christ. Let’s be like Him. “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”[Acts 10:38] people will glorify God if they see our good deeds.[Mat 5:16]

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Text: Proverbs 21:17-18 (ESV)

17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;

he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,

and the traitor for the upright.

THE PERIL OF LOVING PLEASURE

Living for pleasure causes a person to become destitute.[see Prov 10:1] The modern world, it is easier for people to be lost in mindless entertainment. Many individuals live for pleasure, instead of better investing time and finances. Obsession with pleasure—with pleasing oneself in the moment—is also a sign of spiritual weakness. Second Timothy 3:2–4 warns about this as a symptom of a world moving away from God: "…people will be lovers of self…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

Similarly, 1 Tim 5:6 notes, "she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives." In Ecc 2:1 Solomon testifies: "I said in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.' But behold this also was vanity [emptiness]."

Wine and oil were used at feasts (Psa 104:15; Prov 27:9; Amos 6:6). The host and guests drank wine, and the oil meant here was a perfume poured over the head of an honored person. Hoarding such things, instead of investing them, would not be an effective use of resources. In another way, those who love luxuries ("wine and oil") such that they prioritize them will be more likely to waste their resources and become poor.

The implication of verse 18 seems to be that God's holy anger will turn to those who defy Him, and away from those who seek to honor His name. These wicked oppressors of the righteous will be punished, and the righteous will be free of suffering. History is filled with God's people having suffered at the hands of wicked people, but they will be avenged someday. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. (Prov 11:8). When the wicked fall under God's wrath, they can no longer persecute believers, and those believers are "ransomed" from their hardships.

Haman’s story is a classic example of the wicked becoming a ransom for the righteous. Wicked Haman passionately tried to kill righteous Mordecai. He even prepared gallows for Mordecai's execution. However, through God’s sovereignty and justice, he perished on the gallows he made for Mordecai. God's people will not suffer eternally. God will wipe all tears from their eyes ultimately and punish the wicked. Jesus even asked, “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.”[Luke 18:7,8a] Our assurance is that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness an unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth" (Rom 1:18).

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Text: Proverbs 21:15,16 (ESV)

15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

16 One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.

TRUE JUSTICE & FREEDOM

Where is true justice based? True "justice" is that which corresponds to God's will and His standards, is it not? (Prov 1:1–7; 21:3). When truth and goodness are enforced, punishment for the guilty of doing wicked is done. Then, the wicked people are rightly afraid (Prov 3:25–26; 10:24).

Because courts and institutions are led by imperfect leaders, no all punishment is just (Prov 17:26). Many Christians are persecuted or even martyred in hostile places. But, someday the Lord will execute justice upon their persecutors, and believers will rejoice that the Lord has vindicated them. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mat 5:11–12).

This is a reality every believer must embrace. Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”[1 Pet 4:12]. Scholars suggest he may have been referring to Emperor Nero's practice of burning Christians alive at the stake. Peter tells his readers to "rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Pet 4:13). When Christ's glory is revealed, evildoers will be terrified (2 Thess 1:5–10; Rev 19:11–21).

In verse 18, the mention of ‘way’ is about a person's lifestyle and choices in life. Life’s choices could be considered wise and truly free if one fears the Lord. (Prov 1:7). The more he follows truth the more closely one follows God's will ((Prov 18:15; 8:13; 10:14). This is the lifestyle of the righteous. The consequences of deviating from a lifestyle of fearing God can be earthly, eternal, or both. But, the way of the unrighteous is the result of his bondage to sin. They choose to live for pleasure, fame, or fortune, but destruction lies at the end of such a life. 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). Although God's way may present various trials, it is always the right way. All other ways may seem appealing, but they lead to eternal death (Prov 12:28; 14:12).

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Text: Prov 21:13-14 ESV

13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

-Prov 21:13-14 ESV

GIFT MAY AVERT ANGER

"The Righteous One," would ruin those who acted wickedly. [V.12] And, to ignore to help those who are really in need is a sin (Prov 14:31; 17:5; 19:17). Similarly, Jesus taught the same concept to those who have do not forgive prove they are not forgiven (Mat 6:14–15). If they show no sense of grace to those in need, it suggests they have not themselves, experienced grace (Luke 6:38; John 13:34). Some are needy because they are lazy. (2 Thes 3:10). But, if they are legitimately needy, they need help. (James 1:27).

Throughout Scriptures God shows compassion for the poor. Christians should never turn a deaf ear to those who are in need. James has emphasized the importance of demonstrating our faith, by our good works. James 2:8 describes the royal law, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." James said further that "judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy."[Jas 2:13] This authentic love is seen in the book of Acts when "all who believed … had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need" (Acts 2:44–45).

Giving bribes may work. But, Solomon is not giving his approval of this action; he is simply stating the fact that such practices take place and produce desirable results. The bible clearly condemns bribery by stating, "And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right." [Ex 23:8] Deut 16:19 also reads, "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."

One example is Jacob pacifying the anger of Esau. On his return, Jacob sent messengers with gifts to his brother Esau, from whom he had stolen the birthright. The two men met on cordial terms, and, after some urging, Esau agreed to keep Jacob's gift (see Gen 33:4–11).

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