Text: Prov 21:1 ESV

1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

-Prov 21:1 ESV

HE CAN CHANGE HEARTS

In ancient times, kings and rulers hold tremendous power in this world. (Prov 19:12). But, this verse affirms the Lord has sovereign control over kings. “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.”[Prov 21:30] Should God decide to move, He can shape a person's inner desires. One example is Pharaoh’s heart having been hardened by God. “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.” (Ex 10:1–2).

In other words, the Lord can use anyone, even secular government leaders as instruments to serve His purposes. In 538 BC the Lord moved King Cyrus of Persia to pass an edict allowing the Hebrew captives to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Cyrus said, "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem. which is in Judah" (Ezra 1:2).

Then, hundreds of years later, God used Caesar Augustus to cause Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This is in fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 5:2. Luke records the fact that Caesar Augustus, Emperor of Rome, passed a decree that all the world should be registered. Therefore, everyone went to his own town to be registered (Luke 2:1–3). The decree caused Joseph to go to Bethlehem, his ancestral town, and to take Mary with him (Luke 2:4–5). While they were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born (Luke 2:6–7).

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

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

Text: Prov 20:30 ESV

30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.

-Prov 20:30 ESV

STROKES CLEAN SOULS

All human beings are sinners and possess a sinful nature. Reason? Adam's sin passed upon the entire human race (Rom 5:12). We are not just sinners by nature only but by choice. All of us are ‘ like sheep we have all gone astray, choosing to follow our will instead of God's’ [Isa 53:6] Definitely, Christians yet sin but not make it a practice. When he sins, God will discipline him. He does use the "blows" and "strokes" of discipline to steer us away from sinning and produce righteousness in us, does He not?

Solomon is talking here about the benefit of corporal discipline. It’s more than punitive but remedial. The erring person would learn that crime carries a harsh consequence. Most likely, he would resolve not to commit the crime again. “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Prov 29:15). The meaning here is not entirely symbolic, but neither is it meant to encourage punishments which lead to injury.

Godly discipline, including consequences, is an important part of our spiritual growth and maturity. The writer of Hebrews explains:

"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb 12:7–11).

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

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

God’s Word for Today

13 Mar, 2025

29 The glory of young men is their strength,

but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

-Prov 20:29 ESV

THE YOUTH AND OLD MEN

Definitely, the younger people are usually healthier and stronger than the older. Youths can display their athleticism and energy. In contrast, older people is marked with wisdom. The longer they live, the more experiences and knowledge they can gain.

Gray hair is a sign of aging, is it not? In the Old Testament times, this was associated with increased knowledge. “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Prov 16:31). Symbolically, those with white hair were the wisest and most knowledgeable of all (Dan7:9–10; Rev 1:14).

Are all old people wise and all young people not wise? Neither every aging person is wise (Heb 5:11–12; 1 Sam 25:23–25). Youth can be wise too like Timothy and Daniel. (1 Tim 4:12; Dan 1:17).

Paul writes that in Jesus "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). As we age, our physical strength will fade, but our wisdom will increase if our relationship with God becomes closer. Let’s see some scriptures, such as;

“29 He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:28–31;

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” [Heb 5:14];

“16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Cor 4:16–18).

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

Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast

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

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

#gospellightfilipino

#godswordfortoday

God’s Word for Today

12 Mar, 2025

26 A wise king winnows the wicked

and drives the wheel over them.

27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD,

searching all his innermost parts.

28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,

and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.

-Prov 20:26-28 ESV

THE WISE KING

"Winnowing" is done by tossing processed grain into the air, so the wind could blow away the chaff. [see v.8] This symbolism is often used to represent sorting or separating through wisdom or judgment. This highlights the importance of justice in leadership. The wise king, therefore, should properly discern persons either guilty or innocent. This wisdom starts with proper respect for God and His will (Prov 1:7; 3:1–6). One of the reasons God institutes human government is to restrain evil (Rom 13:1–5), which involves separating the guilty from the innocent. Then, those who are guilty should be punished, to deter others from committing the same crimes.

Verse 27 refers to a just king using proper judgment. God is aware of every aspect of our inner lives (I Sam 16:7; Hebrews 4:13). A person's spirit is seen by God; it shows everything needed to know to properly judge them (Psa 7:11;139:7). Only Jesus knows the heart of man. Jesus knew what was happening in each person's spirit (John 2:24–25). Indeed, the Lord "knows the secrets of the heart" (Psa 44:21).

The caring and faithful leaders do inspire loyalty in their people, don’t they? A king who is just (Prov 20:26) and good to his people (Prov 29:2) will typically be rewarded by a nation, that loves and defends their king. While it's possible for good leaders to be unfairly attacked, or evil leaders to cling to power, the expected pattern is for good leaders to inspire happy, devoted followers. But, it’s not all the time. Good leaders are abused by wicked constituents like Jesus. He was accused in nothing wrong He did.

Jesus rules with justice and righteousness. As the perfect king, He will also judge the nations before inaugurating His kingdom. He will wisely separate the sheep from the goats; the righteous from the wicked. The wicked will be sent into eternal punishment (Mat 25:31–46).

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

Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast

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

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

#gospellightfilipino

#godswordfortoday

Text: Proverbs 20:20-22 (ESV)

20 If one curses his father or his mother,

his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning

will not be blessed in the end.

22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;

wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

CURSES, HASTE AND VENGEANCE

Cursing and insulting parents breaks God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother." There is a corresponding promise "that [your] days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving [you]." (Exo 20:12). A disrespectful child grows without any discipline.” Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” [Prov 19:18] Later on, the parents will feel the reproach. “He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.”[Prov 19:26] If he can disrespect his parents, he may disrespect any authority outside the home, most likely.

An abusive child to his parents may want to be rich quickly. When godliness is thrown aside in pursuit of wealth, that wealth is not likely to last. A classic example is the prodigal son from a parable of Jesus. God won’t mock His words.

An abusive child can be vengeful also. But, believers should rest assured that God will settle all accounts. To "wait" for God's intervention requires faithful patience. This is not easy, but it's critically important. Moses reminded Israel that God only has the authority to take vengeance. He said, "'Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.' For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants." Paul expresses the same sentiment in his writings (Rom 12:19).

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

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

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

Text: Proverbs 20:17-18 (ESV)

17Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

18 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

WISE COUNSEL

Seeking advice from others is an often-repeated theme in the book of Proverbs. Strategic plans based on wise guidance are valuable when waging war, are they not? Good planning applies to all situations. Diligence and planning have to be done even as we recognize that everything is subject to God's sovereign will (Prov 12:24; 15:22; Jas 4:13–15). Most importantly, we have to seek God’s guidance through His words and prayer. [Prov 3:5-6; Eph 6:13–18; Psa 119:105]

In verse 19, Solomon warns us about staying away from simple babbler or slanderer. He is the person who is making false statements about someone to ruin their reputation. It can also refer to things like gossip, which is often unsubstantiated rumor or scandal, or undue criticism. The word used here has the similarity of terms for shrewd merchants and those for liars and deceivers. By all means, the "gossip monger" or "tale bearer" should be avoided.

Even in his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul warned about those who depart from faithful pursuits and occupy their time as slanderers: gossips and busybodies. Referring to some erring widows, he said “Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Tim 5:13,14)

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

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

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

Text: Prov 20:17 ESV

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel..

-Prov 20:17 ESV

CRIME DOES NOT PAY

There is a temporary pleasure involved in sin (Prov 9:17). It may give fleeting pleasures.[Heb 11`:25] But the consequences of that sin will come, eventually. Those results can be intensely bitter.

The metaphor is about one eating something sweet but later he finds he’s mouth is bleeding. Yet this is what sin does. It promises freedom and pleasure (Gen 3:4–5) But, unbeknownst to the person it leads to misery and slavery (Gen 3:16–19; Rom 6:17–18; Jas 1:13–18). This is the same as the phrase "crime doesn't pay." That is, the eventual consequences greatly outweigh the short-term benefits. There is more trouble than benefit in committing a crime.

One sad example is Achan. he ignored God's warning. He hid the forbidden items and suffered. Joshua and the people of Israel took Achan and confiscated the illicit goods. Achan's sons and daughters and all accomplices in the theft were brought to the Valley of Achor, where they were stoned to death.[Joshua 7:21–25],

The warning today is “Be sure your sin will find you out.”[Num 32:23] Regret in life is always the result of presumptuousness. That, one can continue sinning without dire consequences.

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

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

Text: Prov 20:16 ESV

16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.

-Prov 20:16 ESV

PUT UP SECURITY

This verse emphasizes the risk a creditor takes in granting a loan. The debtor or cosigner may never repay the debt. The creditor—the one lending money or property—is advised to hold something from the borrower to help guarantee the debt will be repaid. The garment, in this case, serves as a pledge.

However, there is a warning to show compassion according to the law of Moses. In Ex 22:26–27, Moses writes, "If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep?" he added further in Deut 24:10–13, saying, "When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his house to collect his pledge. You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you. And if he 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."

Other proverbs warn about taking on debt, especially on behalf of others (see Prov 6:1; 11:15; 22:6). There is a caution about ascertaining the character of those who seek to borrow. The warning is on lending "for a stranger" and "for foreigners." "Foreigners" is translated from the Greek word, that has reference to an immoral woman.[Prov 7:5] And, most likely, they were worshippers of idols (Deut 7:1–5). Lending is dangerous to people we don’t know, especially to the immoral.

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

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

God’s Word for Today

6 Mar, 2025

15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,

but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

-Prov 20:15 ESV

MORE THAN PRECIOUS JEWEL

Solomon makes an interesting comparison the value of speaking knowledgeably with the value of gold and jewels. He concludes that wise words are more precious. This valuation of godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–6) is expressed in numerous ways in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 3:13–15; 16:16; 22:1). Well-considered, well-timed, well-spoken wisdom is an incredibly valuable gift (Proverbs 8:11; 15:23; 27:9).

Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom. Jesus even claimed, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63). The crowds followed Him to hear what He would say, and it was said that "no one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). When Jesus asked His disciples if they would abandon Him, Peter quickly affirmed, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

Paul describes Jesus as one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Jesus has always spoken wisely. He taught with authority about heaven, the value of human life, righteousness, pleasing and glorifying God, and genuine love for God and others.

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

Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast

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

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

#gospellightfilipino

#godswordfortoday

25.051 | DEAL HONESTLY | Proverbs 20:14 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word for Today

5 Mar, 2025

“Bad, bad,” says the buyer,

but when he goes away, then he boasts.

-Prov 20:14 ESV

DEAL HONESTLY

“The buyer haggles over the price, saying, 'It’s worthless,'then brags about getting a bargain!” [NLT} It's possible for someone to bargain for a low price, only to brag later about what a great deal they got. Or, for a seller to "talk up" something so a buyer spends more on it than they need to.

This practice can become dishonest. Deception and lies in business are forms of theft, are they not? Some buyers or sellers overtly deceive a potential transaction. Instead of making a fair-yet-profitable deal, they trick for personal gain. It's cheating as much as are false weights or rigged scale (Prov 20:10, 23). Both stealing and lying violate God's ten commandments, which are "You shall not steal" and "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:14,6).

The apostle Paul also points out the evil of stealing and lying. He states: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor." [Eph 4:25] The apostle implores, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands." [Eph 4;28] Even in Col 3:9, he commands, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices."

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

Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast

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

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

#gospellightfilipino

#godswordfortoday