One Verse at a Time

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:30, “The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.” The righteous inherit God’s promises, but the wicked do not. May God give us the hearts to obey him by his grace so that we walk confidently as heirs to all of his promises.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:29, “The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.” The way of the LORD is like a castle. When we walk in obedience and integrity (by God’s grace), we experience the comfort and security of right relationship with him. If we forsake his way and choose wickedness, then when trials or final judgment comes we will only have terror, dread, and destruction.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:28, “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” More and more as life goes on, the righteous person will see God deliver on his promises and that will bring joy. The wicked, on the other hand, will more and more see the unrighteous desires of their heart bring deep and lasting disappointment.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:27, “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” This proverb is true on two horizons. The wicked will more likely put themselves in compromised situations that could cause death here in this life, but also they will have few years here and now compared to eternal death forever. May God give us grace to fear him—honor, respect, and revere him—and to turn to him for forgiveness in Jesus.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:26, “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.” The one who sends a lazy person on a task will be bitterly disappointed. We want to work hard so that we don’t leave others with that feeling, and we ask for discernment to know how to help the lazy people under our influence.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:25, “When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.” Here in this life the wicked have a foundation on which to stand when trials and suffering comes. But most importantly, in the final judgment only those found in Christ will remain standing. May we build our lives on the rock of Christ for now and for eternity.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:24, “What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.” God uses our worst dread and our greatest desire to help us want him more. Our terror coming true causes us to run to him for refuge. Our righteous desires helps us to run to him—the greatest joy in the world. May God be kind to use these things to draw us to him.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:23, “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” Sin is no laughing matter. But we can and should find joy and pleasure in the things of God. We need his help to do that.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow to it.” God alone brings the blessings, though we work hard as well. Also, for the righteous, there will be no final judgment or sorrow to repay us for wicked riches we have gained in this life. We have great comfort and we call for the repentance of others.

This episode looks at Proverbs 10:21, “The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” Wise words give life, while fools who lack a heart full of wisdom can only bring death. Our prayer is simple: God, make us the righteous speakers of life.