Podcasts about text proverbs

Preacher: Michael Foster, Text: Proverbs 1:1-7, 4:1-9 

TEXT: Proverbs 1:8-19 Where do you think you belong? 1. With the wicked? 2. Or with the wise?

Text: Proverbs 28:15,16 (ESV) 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bearis a wicked ruler over a poor people.16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. A WICKED RULER OVER A POOR PEOPLE What is the effect an ungodly ruler's oppressive rule has upon his subjects? Through violence, repression, hardship, or other difficult means, the evil tyrant drives people into hiding. The mention of "a poor people" may suggest heavy taxation, theft, and other types of direct abuse. How do people afflicted this way respond? If they are under the leadership of a merciless predator? They will resort to hiding (see v.12). Most notorious dictators do rule by fear and intimidation, don't they? In contrast, godly rulers inspire confidence and security in their people. As a result, the people learn to trust that the leader will do what is right (Prov 28:2; 29:2).  In Moses' day, Pharaoh ruled Egypt with a heavy hand. He made life especially miserable for the Jews, enslaving them. He assigned cruel masters "to afflict them with heavy burdens" (Ex 1:11). They "ruthlessly made the Jews work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service. He demanded to produce more bricks, when he did not supply the mortar. In all their works, he ruthlessly made them work as slaves" (Ex 1:13–14). Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen 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-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday 

Text: Proverbs 28:14 (ESV) 14 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always,but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.  DO FEAR THE LORD ALWAYS The term translated into English as "fear" may refer to both an emotional feeling or respect or reverence (Prov 1:7; Lev 19:32). Both concepts are important, but this verse is more inclined to the idea of alarm or dread. Those who stubbornly ignore the dangers of sin, warnings from others or God's clear commands) set themselves up for a disaster or catastrophe (Prov 8:32–36; 22:5; 12:15; 1:23). This attitude is describing someone who "hardens his heart." It is a common phrase refereing to obstinate disobedience to the Lord (Ex 7:13; Dan 5:20; John 12:40). Some translators interpret this as an appeal to revere God. This is not an unreasonable conclusion, even if the Hebrew text itself does not mention "the LORD." For a person to be properly reverent and seek goodness, obedience to God is implied (Proverbs 2:6–9). This fear is the reason for repentance (v.13).  Psalm 1 describes blessedness by loving God's Word and obeying it. This means refusing any influence from the ungodly. While the wicked receive divine judgment and are eternally separated from God, the person who reveres the Lord enjoys a productive life. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount used a term meaning "blessed" or "happy" to describe "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Mat 5:6). The choice must be clear. Should a person chose to honor the Lord and "fear" evil, he will be blessed. If someone hardens his heart against the Lord, he is going towards disastrous trouble.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 28:13 (ESV) 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. CONCEAL OR CONFESS The first and most foolish human error was the attempt to hide his sins from the Creator (see Gen 3:8–10). God knows everything (1 John 3:20). Nobody can hide from God (Heb 4:13). Those who hide from God don't respect His authority. He is gripped with pride and unbelief. (Psa 10:11–13). The person who pretends to be blameless will be judged, while the one who confesses his sin will be forgiven (1 John 1:9–10; Luke 18:10–14). King David is the classic example. He tried to cover his sin of adultery. He went so far as to have one of his valiant men killed (see 2 Sam 1112). His soul and body suffered immense pain until he confessed to the Lord. His words in Psalm 32 and 51 attest to his guilt when he tried to hide his crimes, as well as his deep relief upon confessing and receiving forgiveness. David exclaims, "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psa 32:1). Today, is not the person who admits wrongdoing before they are caught is usually given more leniency than those who tried to hide their sin and caught? The saying, "the cover-up is often worse than the crime" is true.  Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 28:9 (ESV) 9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,even his prayer is an abomination. PRAYER AND THE LAW One of the more common wrong view of God is that He is as a vending machine, or a genie. They will ignore His laws and commands but He is still expected to hear and grant their prayer requests. God despises this attitude, both when attached to prayer and to sacrifice. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.” (Prov 15:8,9).  The term used for His reaction comes from the Hebrew word which implies deep disgust and loathing. When someone has no concern for God's will, or obedience, or repentance, their attempts to "play religious" are met with the equivalent of divine nausea. Even a "good deed" is a sin when it's done out of insincere motives. God is sovereign. He has the right to respond to anyone's prayer in any way He chooses. He may respond to an appeal from a non-believer as a means of calling or His working for them to faith. However, those who reject God have no valid reason to expect positive answers to their prayers. Scripture makes it clear that sin and disbelief are barriers to His cooperation.[Isa 59:2] The psalmist understood that sin builds a barrier between prayer and a positive response from God. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." The man born blind who was healed by Jesus told the Pharisees, "We know that God does not listen to sinners" (John 9:31). Jesus strongly denounced the Pharisees because of their hypocrisy. He told the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both entered the temple to pray. The tax collector who humbly admitted he was a sinner and asked God to be merciful to him went home justified by God. But, the self-righteous Pharisee who saw others as sinful but himself as righteous was not heard by God. (see Luke 18:9–14).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 28:8 (ESV) 8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profitgathers it for him who is generous to the poor. BEWARE OF USURY Under the Mosaic law, the Israelites were forbidden to charge their fellow countrymen with usury on money, food, or anything else (see Lev 25:36–37). Usurious practices are wrong, even sinful. Loans were intended to help the poor. It is not to exploit them so the lender can become rich. This warning echoes God's view that earthly wealth is temporary (Prov 23:4–5; Jas 4:13–14; Luke 12:16–21). A greedy person can hoard wealth, but that wealth does not follow them to the afterlife.  Ill-gotten wealth through usury will ultimately pass into the hands of someone who is generous to the poor. Justice will overcome injustice eventually. In Jesus' day, tax collectors, or "publicans," were notorious offenders of usury. They are tasked to collect taxes for the Romans who occupied Israel around the time of the Gospels. The Romans allowed the collectors to add additional charges, as payment to the collectors. Many abused this privilege to line their own pockets. Their reputation was so horrendous that being a tax collector was as offensive as being a prostitute.  One of those was Zacchaeus. He believed inJesus and became a faithful follower. To compensate victims of his prior sins of usury, he was willing to give half of his wealth to the poor and to give back four times what he had taken unfairly (Luke 19:8). His generosity was his resolve to prove he was sincere in his faith.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 28:7 (ESV) 7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,but a companion of gluttons shames his father. BE A SON WITH UNDERSTANDING A wise son pays careful attention to God's law (Prov 1:7; 8:33–36). He is cautious in his associations with others for they will influence him either towards good or bad.(Prov 13:20). Close association with ungodly people risks trouble (Prov 22:24–25) This will lead to his reputation be questioned. (Prov 3:1–4; 20:19; 24:21). This also leads critics to question the integrity of his family (Prov 29:15). When a son or student live in godliness, it will reflect well on their parents or teacher's reputation. (Prov 23:22–25; 27:11). Spending time with ‘gluttons' will affect the honor of the parents. They will be embarassed. "Gluttons," in this context, means those who indulge in any desire beyond reasonable limits. In today's usage, this term typically refers to indulgence of food. However, the general principle can apply to hobbies, vices, or addictions as well.  Spending time with people lacking self-control can influence a person to sin, or being caught up unnecessarily in someone else's consequences. Hence, the apostle Paul warned us, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" (1 Cor 15:33). False teachers are enemies of the cross of Christ (Phi 3:18) Their "end is destruction" and "their god is their belly" (Phi 3:19). Contrariwise, it is commendable to feast on God's Word certainly.(Psa 119:103) It is sinful to overindulge in food or pleasure. It is a sign that one lacks wisdom. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 28:2 (ESV) 2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,but with a man of understanding and knowledge,its stability will long continue.  STABILITY A nation that rebels against God by tolerating sins may find itself cycling through many kings, rulers, or governors(Rom 1:18–20; Prov 14:34). Likewise, a nation with wildly inconsistent and incompetent leadership is prone to chaos and rebellion. We call this nation a ‘banana republic.' People searching for an answer to chaos often turn to grab the sword by its blade. They kept electing an increasing number of incompetent rulers that become tyrants. Whereas, the wise, stable, and godly leadership will lead a nation towards stability and security. Israel is not exempt in this. The Old Testament records the spiralling down of Israel's history after the reigns of David and Solomon. In a relatively short period of time, numerous kings ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This fast turnover was especially apparent in the northern kingdom, which was overrun by the Assyrians a century earlier. The southern kingdom was overruled by the Babylonians, later. Definitely, good leaders in government contribute to peace. Thus, Paul urged Timothy to lead believers to pray for earthly leaders of all kinds, "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1–2). There is no government or institution that will become stable without God. God is indispensable in our marriages and churches. As Psa 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city,the watchman stays awake in vain.”Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 28:1 (ESV) 1 The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are bold as a lion. THE RIGHTEOUS IS AS BOLD AS A LION A coward is defensive. To be defensive even without an accusation is a sign of a guilty conscience, is it not? A person who feels guilty for something—or believes as much—may become excessive in attempts to clear their name. Their excessive claims of innocence seem insincere and overdone, to the point of suggesting guilt, instead. Here, it depicts the morally guilty persons as paranoid, because of their bothered conscience. They act silly like the little boy who is afraid of his own shadow. They are haunted, leading them to assume that consequences are always just around the corner. In this torturous imagery, they are like criminals who are running away from law officers even when they are not aware of any crime has happened. In the eyes of God, this attempt to "flee" from accountability is a common human response to God. Take for example the life of Jonah. When he refused to obey God, he boarded a ship that was bound for Tarshish, a destination as far from Nineveh as possible (Jon 1:1–3). During God's judgment in the future, God will rain down wrath on the wicked, and the world leaders will try to hide from God. They will wish for landslides to cover them from His anger (Rev 6:15–17). By contrast, those with a clear conscience have no such fears.[ (Acts 24:16, Heb 13:18] Lions are fearless by nature. They have no fear towards any predators or hostile enemies. They proceed with confidence and assurance, lacking fear, that is, they are "bold." The person who does right can be more courageous than a lion. They can rest assured that God will vindicate them in the end (1 Pet 3:16. They have peace with God. And this peace is a genuine benefit of personal integrity (Psa 4:8; Prov 10:9). Today, thank God that we can face boldly before God because of the righteousness of Christ [2Cor 5:21]. When we sin and we are bothered, let's thank the Lord for it prompts us to seek for His forgiveness. Otherwise, we will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:23-27 (ESV) 23 Know well the condition of your flocks,and give attention to your herds,24 for riches do not last forever;and does a crown endure to all generations?25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appearsand the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,26 the lambs will provide your clothing,and the goats the price of a field.27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,for the food of your householdand maintenance for your girls. GIVING OUR FULL ATTENTION Diligence is of primary importance to a rancher. It is extremely important for a rancher to know well the condition of his livestock, is it not? He should care for them diligently. A lazy and careless rancher will hurt not only the livestock but his economy as well. What applies to the rancher's care towards his livestock applies to anyone who is responsible for a business or an institution as well. Idleness will surely cause a business and institution to fail.  This sentiment can also be applied to stewardship of one's personal finances. Inattention or ignorance of the condition of one's finances can lead to negative outcomes. This is equally true when related to management over or responsibility of the money and properties of others. Knowing the condition of one's flocks, or the flocks of others, shows proactive steps to monitor their well-being. An example is a church pastor or elder. He needs to know the condition of his flock and care for the sheep, which are God's people. Paul was emphatic to say to the elders at Ephesus, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”[Acts 20:28]  Let us recall how Jesus had commissioned the apostle Peter to feed Jesus' lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep (John 21:15–17). Later, Peter charged the elders among the scattered Jewish believers to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2–3). The following verses (v.24–27) reinforce the idea of knowing the condition of one's flocks and giving attention to one's herds. “for riches do not last forever;and does a crown endure to all generations?25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appearsand the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,26 the lambs will provide your clothing,and the goats the price of a field.27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,for the food of your householdand maintenance for your girls.” Diligent planning and effort today is more likely to result in good outcomes tomorrow. This is a reminder also to parents. If we don't diligently guide our children, their life's destiny is at stake. Let's be faithful in rearing our children in the fear of God.[Prov 22:6, Eph 6:2-4]Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:19 (ESV) 19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.  THE NEED OF SELF-REFLECTION Still water is as a mirror. When you look into a pool, you will see your reflection. You can see what you truly look like, which might be different from what you think. Similarly, a person's heart reflects who he really is. Self-examination is a necessary thing (2 Cor 13:5; Prov 4:26). It can surface out what's happening deep within ourselves. Some thought that this "reflection" in question comes through other people. Their argument is that this is in line with the idea presented in an earlier proverb that ‘iron sharpens iron' (Prov 27:17). In other words, it implies that one learns more about themselves by seeing how words and actions are received by others. It also echoes the idea of two people interacting "face to face." The imagery of the "heart" here is typically associated with thoughts and attitudes more than with emotions or desires. However, let us be warned for we have reasons to be skeptical of our own "hearts," regardless of the context. Why? Jeremiah depicts the natural human heart as deceitful and desperately wicked.[Jer 17:9] Our corrupted heart leads us away from God (Isa 53:6). Paul even says, "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Adding to the description of unregenerate individuals, he says, "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their path are ruin and misery" (Romans 3:12-15). But God does give sinners a new heart and a new way of living, doesn't He? When He changes the heart, He sets a person on a new path. The apostle Paul explains that with redemption comes adoption into God's family. And God sends the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts. Immediately, the old sinful habits will begin to drop off, and the new godly habits will take their place. As Paul said, “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Cor 5:17) This transformation is the work of the Spirit alone.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:18 (ESV) 18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,and he who guards his master will be honored. DILIGENCE HAS REWARDS Diligence and hard work usually pay off. Generally, a person who puts in the necessary work will reap the expected rewards of those efforts and sacrifices. Farmers can't reap crops unless they plant and tend to them, can they? Athletes win because they've invested time and effort by rigid training. An employee is more likely to be honored and promoted by an employer when they perform well. Any righteous effort to work hard, for the right things, will ultimately be rewarded by God (Eph 6:5–8). Fig trees were important source of food in the Middle East. One day, Jesus and His disciples passed by a fig tree. Jesus expected that a fig tree would be fruitful. Upon seeing that it was barren, he cursed it (Mat 21:18–19). This story has an allusion in Amos 4:9. The Lord said He was chastising Israel to lead them to repent. The Lord recalls, "I struck you with blight and mildew…your fig trees and your olive trees the locusts devoured; yet you did not return to me." There was an old man at his deathbed saying to his two sons that he had left for them an inheritance. He buried it in the vineyard. When the man died, the two brothers began digging the vineyard diligently. They did it day in and day out, but no treasure can be found. However, they noticed that the vines bear clusters of fruit. Then and only then, they realized the wisdom of their father. The treasure is the fruitful vine because of their hard work.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) 17 Iron sharpens iron,and one man sharpens another.  IRON SHARPENS IRON  In ancient days, the common method to sharpen steel or iron was to use a similar piece of metal. When the two scrape against each other, both are shaped and rough spots and rust are removed. In the same manner, two people can interact and help refine each other.  Other proverbs note the importance of hearing other people's views, such as; “Where there is no guidance, a people falls,but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”[Prov 11:14] “ The one who states his case first seems right,until the other comes and examines him.”[Prov 18:17] “Oil and perfume make the heart glad,and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”[Prov 27:9).  Of particular note is that this lesson implies a constructive level of conflict. There must be friction. The two pieces don't become sharper unless they bump into each other (Prov 27:6)! Fellow believers who never challenge or question one another are liable to remain dull and narrow-minded. The bible is replete with examples. Jesus may have sent His disciples out two by two because each one would sharpen the other's testimony. The process of mentoring is also a good example of one Christian improving the spiritual life of the other. The apostle Paul mentored the younger Timothy with intentionality. And, he charged Timothy to mentor others. He writes, "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."[2 Tim 2:2] In the Old Testament, David and Jonathan are a good example of two men who improved each other's lives. True friendship can help edify two people to enjoy a stronger faith and a buoyant spirit. The dynamics of friendship include encouraging each other, laughing together, sympathizing together, and praying together. An important consideration is to carefully choose who we "brush up against." A good friend can lead us to self-improvement and greater godliness (Prov 12:5; 15:22; 17:17). On the contrary, ungodly people are likely to lead us towards conflict, sin, and disaster (Prov 13:20; 22:24–25; 23:20).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

July 13, 2025. Kurt Smith. www.machiasvalley.org.   Text: Proverbs 3:5-7   Point 1: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Action Item: Find one area in your life where you have resisted trusting God.   Point 2: Do not lean on your own understanding. Action Item: Ask God to give you wisdom in a decision (big or small)   Point 3: In all your ways acknowledge Him. Action Item: Identify one way this week you can imitate or acknowledge Christ.   Point 4: He will make straight our path. Action Item: Trust the path He sets before you (even if it's hard and uncomfortable).

Text: Proverbs 27:12 (ESV) 12The prudent sees danger and hides himself,but the simple go on and suffer for it. BE PRUDENT It is always wise to try to avoid undue risks. We have to think many times over when making decisions. However, the simple-minded person is impulsive. He walks headlong into danger. God wants us to seek "wisdom." That is, a proper understanding of God and His will (Prov 1:7; 2:6–7). The exercise of being "prudent," or "sensible," is to gather a lot of related information and notice risks and to take appropriate steps. Those who are governed by mere grit and emotion tend to act out of bravado. They lack the intelligence or the self-control to be aware of dangers. Thus, they often suffer the consequences of bad decisions (Prov 6:5; 13:14; 22:5). This lesson applies both to physical and spiritual threats. Let us be aware that the Devil is deceitful to set dangerous traps. And, he tries to lure believers into them. An unwise person is prone to walk right into such snares and traps. But, a prudent believer heeds the apostle Peter's exhortation, that is, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Pet 5:8–9). In a similar warning, the apostle Paul refers to the schemes of the Devil. He counsels believers to "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:11-13).  Peter learned this lesson the hard way. Although Jesus warned him that the Devil planned to aggressively tempt him, he exuded with much arrogance and self-confidence. He strongly assured Jesus that he would never forsake Jesus (Luke 22:30-33). Before long, however, Peter slid into the Devil's trap and denied Jesus vehemently three times (Luke 22:60–62). The humble sees danger approaching and avoid it. Hence, he is prudent. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:11 (ESV) 11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,that I may answer him who reproaches me. A WISE SON, A GLAD FATHER  A child's behavior do reflect on their parents, don't they? Kids who act badly bring shame on their fathers and mothers (Prov 17:25; 19:26). This is not absolute. We see well-raised children still making poor choices in life. Nevertheless, either right or wrong conduct of children is attributed to their upbringing. The impression of people is ‘like father like son.' In a similarway, students are reflections of their teachers.  Professing Christians, whether true or not, do affect the reputation of Jesus Christ. Do our deeds and attitudes reflect that we belong to God? As Matthew 5:16 exhorts believers, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." The apostle Paul gives a similar exhortation, saying, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."[ Phil 2:14–15]Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:9-10 (ESV) 9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.10 Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.Better is a neighbor who is nearthan a brother who is far away. DO VALUE A FRIEND'S ADVICE In the ancient world, oil was used popularly for soothing wounds and for giving a massage. The Good Samaritan used oil and wine to treat an abused traveler's wounds (Luke 10:34). James also mentions the anointing of the sick with oil (Jas 5:14). A woman of ill repute washed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and received His commendation (Luke 7:37–48). The same concept is used here of healing and honor tthrough the loving advices given by a true friend. A friend who is like a soothing oil is priceless. Solomon writes, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" [Ecc 4:9–10] Such friend shows genuine love and is often expressed as correction (v.5–6). It is well-timed and well-suited to the situation (Prov 15:23).  The implication of the Hebrew phrases used here is to take a friend's advice than insisting on one's own opinion. Indeed, a loving guidance is pleasant and valuable. In some interpretations like the NIV, it implies that what makes a friendship pleasant is the "heartfelt advice" it brings.  Each one of us do have a blind spot, don't we? It will take a genuine friend to alert us to warn us not to fall into ruin. Let's not be a person who is easy to take an offense. Someone who has an onion skin. When a stranger will say something about us, me may not pay careful attention. But, we should pay attention to a loving friend. He is ‘speaking the truth in love.” [Eph 4:15] Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:7 (ESV) 7 One who is full loathes honey,but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet. ENTITLEMENT AND INGRATITUDE Abundance may breed ingratitude. When one is full, even delicious foods, like honey, are not appealing anymore. However, when one is starving, even unpleasant food seems tasty and palatable. Since the ancient world, honey has been the symbol of something sweet and delicious. But, how much honey could a person consume? A person could eat up to a point wherein the thought of eating more brings nausea or vomiting.  There is also an implied lesson here. Likely, this is to highlight the different attitudes of wealthy and impoverished people. A wealthy person may not appreciate what they are offered. However, a poor person appreciates even a small gift. The attitudes of ingratitude and entitlement are prone to anyone, especially if he is used to getting what he wants. The point is that it is not wrong to enjoy God's blessings. The feeling of familiarity, entitlement, and ungratefulness makes it wrong. This is a major reason Jesus warned about the spiritual risks associated with rich people. He said, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 19:23). James, on the other hand, says, “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” [Jas 2:5] To despise what God has provided would be ungrateful. It befits to be thankful for what we have. Could anyone claim anything he has that he gets by his power and not from God? Everything comes from God. James tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (Jas 1:17). Paul warned Timothy about false teachers who mandated celibacy and abstinence from certain foods. He declares that God created those foods "to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving" (1 Tim 4:3–4).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

SERMON: "Catch the Vision" | TEXT: Proverbs 29:18 | DATE: 6/29/2025 | SPEAKER: Jake Brown | www.Liberty-Christian.com

Text: Proverbs 27:3 (ESV) 3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. DEALING WITH AN INJURIOUS PERSON The fools are injurious people. The ‘fool's anger' could be "heavy" to bear, as if being forced to carry a heavy stone or boulder. Given a literal choice, many people would rather struggle to lift a heavy load than withstand constant irritation from an enemy. This type of fool is impetuous and self-willed. (Prov 1:7; 22:10) He lacks self-discipline. He spurts false accusations or purposeful lies in unrestrained anger (Prov 10:19; 25:28). The Bible often advises that we ignore petty insults and not respond to those merely looking for trouble (Prov 20:3; 1 Pet 4:15; Mat 7:6; Prov 12:16; Mat 5:39 ). This is not easy to do, especially when the insults become injurious. It can be extraordinarily difficult to "rise above" a persistent troublesome person. Our patience will run out. Part of the wisdom in this statement comes from the power of understanding and embracing the person as he is. We won't be affected much if we embrace the person with tolerance and understanding. Injurious people are like porcupines. We know that it has sharp spines so we have to provide distance ourselves. We can't change its nature but change our responses toward it. Wisdom teaches us best to ignore such provocation from an injurious person. Take for example the way Jesus dealt with injurious people. When He was falsely reviled, he did not retaliate. Instead, He "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Pet 2:23). Peter cites Jesus' response to aggression as an example believers should follow when they suffer similar injustice. He writes: "But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God" (1 Peter 2:20).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 27:2 (ESV) 2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;a stranger, and not your own lips. LET ANOTHER PRAISE YOU  It is wrong to brag about things we have not yet accomplished (see v.1). However, it is equally wrong to brag about things we have accomplished. Arrogance is always wrong. Pride is a grievous sin. This is an imagery of someone flaunting with an inflated sense of one's own greatness. Even if the statements are true, ‘blowing one's horn' doesn't look good to others. The better option is to let others speak well of you. It seems more like sincere praise and less like bragging. In the book of Daniel chapter 4, we learn that King Nebuchadnezzar foolishly bragged about his past victories. He was walking on the palace roof and viewing the city of Babylon when he sang his own praises. He boasted: "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" (Dan 4:30). Before he was even done speaking, a heavenly voice declared his impending humiliation. That humiliation would include insanity, wallowing with animals, and eating grass. For seven years Nebuchadnezzar endured this until he fully understood "that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" (Daniel 4:31–34). In the New Testament, the proud Herod robbed the glory of God and suffered the painful consequence also. “On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.” [Acts 12:20-23]. Indeed, pride comes before a fall. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 26:12 (ESV) 12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for him. SELF-DECEPTION MAKES ONE HOPELESS When someone is intoxicated with his own arrogance, he would become egotistical. He sincerely believes he could not possibly be wrong. Then, he is immune to learning and correction (Prov 1:24–26; 8:33; 16:18; 19:20) Who can teach such a person? He is hopeless for he is blinded by his own pride. The worst blindness is having open eyes but unable to see. He revolves around his own world. As the saying goes, “It is impossible to awaken a person who is already awake.” In this way, Solomon expresses pessimism about these people sporting with inflated egos. They are more hopeless than a fool. His comparison is shocking, since a "fool" in Proverbs rejects godly truth and wisdom (Prov 1:7; 3:5–8). For Solomon casts a brutal criticism that they are worst than a fool. Their fall is inevitable. As Prov 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The apostle James highlights the problem of pride. He quotes Proverbs 3:34 in James 4:6, "Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" Jesus illustrated the truth given in James 4:6. He told a story about two men who prayed in the temple. The Pharisee boasted about himself, claiming he was superior to the despised tax collector. But God rejected the Pharisee's prayer. On the other hand, the tax collector was humble, repentant, and asked for God's mercy. Jesus said the tax collector went home justified in God's sight (Luke 18:9–14). What does this mean for us today? Let's always surrender our hearts to the Lord for cleansing from any sin that can harden our hearts. [Heb 3:13} . Let's pray as the psalmist, that is;“ Search me, O God, and know my heart!Try me and know my thoughts!And see if there be any grievous way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting! [Psa 139:23,24].  Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 26:1-2 (ESV) 1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,so honor is not fitting for a fool.2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,a curse that is causeless does not alight.  WHEN HONOR AND CURSES HAVE NO BASIS Generally, weather is hard to predict, is it not? But in some regions, some seasons are more predictable and so are their climate patterns. Israel's weather was regular enough. The season of wheat harvest is notably dry, so rain would be weird to occur. The same would be true of snow on a sweltering summer day. Summer and snow clearly do not belong together. In the same way, giving respect or "honor" to someone who foolishly ignores God is absurd. Moreover, snow in summer, or rain during a dry season, can also cause damage. This applies to a fool given a position of authority. He will destroy the institution he leads. (Prov 1:7; 3:35) Definitely, a fool lacks the wisdom to govern others. He makes bad decisions (Prov 10:21). He condones and even promotes immorality (Prov 13:19; 28:15–16) And, he abhors righteousness and the worship of God (Prov 28:14). He appoints fools like himself to positions of authority (Prov 29:12). When fools reign as kings and rulers, there is false security (Prov 24:21–22; 30:7–9).  While honoring the fool has no basis, cursing others may just be a waste of time for it has no basis also. The imagery here is the sparrows and other small birds flying and following erratic patterns. Swallows, especially, are known for dramatic twists and turns as they fly. As they look for food, chasing it, they fly around but don't land. The same is true of the "curse" addressed to the person who has done nothing wrong. In this context, a "curse" is not a magical spell or hex. It refers to condemnation, insult, or declaration of harm (Job 3:1; Psa 109:28; Mark 14:71; Luke 6:28).  Take for example Goliath,hen he threatened to kill David, he cursed David, but the cursing was ineffective. Fighting for the Lord's honor, David prevailed and killed the Philistine giant, instead (1 Sam 17:43–50).  Let us not forget that only God can supernaturally "curse" anyone. (Deu 28:20; Prov 3:33). When the person does not deserve the curse—because God does not instigate it—it never would "land" on the intended person. The example of Balak and Balaam illustrates this. Balak, King of Moab, asked Balaam to curse Israel. However, Balaam replied, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Num 23:8). Even when Balak was enraged, Balaam replied, "Must I not take care to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" (Num 23:12).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 25:27,28 (ESV) 27 It is not good to eat much honey,nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.28 A man without self-controlis like a city broken into and left without walls. THE VIRTUE OF SELF-CONTROL This is a warning against excesses, even in positive things. A prior proverb mentioned the danger in having "too much of a good thing" (see v.16). When someone wants to feel good, he overeats causing discomfort at the end. Honey is good to the taste but eating too much may cause us to vomit. Similarly, a person who seeks too much glory—excess honor, respect, titles, or reputation—ends up the person becoming unglamorous towards others, even sickening.  Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are bought with a price, the blood of Christ. Therefore, we should glorify God, not ourselves (see 1 Cor 6:19–20). This reality should motivate believers to regulate urges, including eating habits. As 1 Cor 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Furthermore, every believer should take note that God is a zealous God. God says, "I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other." [Isa 42:8] "God opposes the proud."[Jas 4:6] And seeking one's own glory is the epitome of pride, is it not? A person who tries to make either their body feel good with too much food or their spirit feel good with too much personal pride will be humiliated by God.  A person who has no self-control is one who has no restraint over his urges. He is weak. A person who claims that he can do whatever he wants is a slave to his own appetite. He is like a city without walls, vulnerable to the enemy's attack. The primary defense of a city was its walls. This did not make a walled city invincible, but it gave an enormous difference in their defensive stability.  Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 25:20 (ESV) 20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heartis like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,and like vinegar on soda. AVOID ADDING INSULT TO INJURY Were you guilty before of giving careless and untactful comments to a person in sorrow? Classic examples are phrases like, "There's a reason for everything," or "At least it wasn't something worse." When offered to those in grief, such comments can magnify the suffering. Even if those sentiments are true, in a coldly logical sense, they're not usually helpful for the person grappling with tragedy. Trying to "comfort" someone with overly simple measures is not merely ineffective; it's insulting. Well-meaning comments might seem to minimize the experience. It is like depriving him the warmth by removing the cloak during the cold day. If it's soaked with water, it is reasonable to take it off. Songs can help cheer a mourning person, in the right situation. However, when someone is sad and discouraged, it's inappropriate to assume a simple song will make them feel better. There is a lack of empathy. Another picture of inappropriateness is putting vinegar into a container filled with soda. This produces an energetic reaction, but nothing else. The mixture will bubble towards overflowing. Both the vinegar and the soda are lost, and what's left is much less useful. Trite attempts to cheer up those who mourn might spark a reaction, but not the one intended. The classic examples are Job's friends who were careless and insensitive words. These misguided comforters did more harm than good by speaking volumes to Job when he was burdened with physical pain and grief. Sometimes the best course of action to take when comforting a discouraged person is simply to sit with him in silence. Paul understood there is a time to grieve and a time to rejoice, and he kept the two in perspective. Paul writes in Rom 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Only an insensitive person tries to rejoice with someone weeping, as if they could force a change in mood.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 25:18-19 (ESV) 18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. BEING DEPENDABLE Giving false testimony against someone is as hitting him with a sharp weapon. Dishonest statements can ruin a neighbor's life, destroy his livelihood, hurt his family, and damage his reputation beyond repair. As believers, Paul appeals to believers to renounce lies. He said, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." The book of Proverbs repeats God's condemnation of false witnesses (Prov 6:16–19; 19:5; 21:28). In verse 19, Solomon warns against trusting unreliable and disloyal people during challenging times. The mention of "time of trouble" is key to note that one is in a crisis. It gives caution to take risks. These include the risk of putting trust in someone known to be a liar, fraud, or traitor. In those moments, it's important to keep that risk in mind when this most likely will lead to disaster. The metaphors used here point out the suddenness of betrayal. A rotten tooth might seem fine until it gives a sudden pain and misery. "A foot that slips" refers to something unsure, unreliable, and unbalanced. And, in an instant, disaster can strike. And, what was supposed to provide support instead caused harm. Putting our trust in liars and crooks is extremely dangerous. Job expressed similar sentiments about his undependable neighbors. He said, "My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams that pass away, which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place" (Job 6:15–17). They resembled a riverbed. In the rainy season, it fills up with water. It runs fast and full, as snow melts and pours into it. But, in the heat of summer, when it is most needed, it is bone dry. When Job most needed dependable friends, he could not find them. They disappeared. A friend in need is a friend indeed.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 1:7, 9:10-11, 14:26-27, 15:16 View this week's bulletin. View this week's sermon discussion questions.

Text: Proverbs 25:6-7 (ESV) 6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presenceor stand in the place of the great,7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.  PUT NOT YOURSELF FORWARD BEFORE KINGS It is not wise to gate crash into the presence of a king or pretend to be great. The equivalent today is to a ‘social climber.' The picture is someone overstating his importance, only to be "put in his rightful place." This teaching indicates that it's better to be overly humble, being lifted up, rather than be embarrassed when overreaching and being put down. This would imply one should avoid being embarrassed in front of the noble person. Other translations associate this phrase with the following proverb, which cautions against hastily taking matters to court. Jesus used nearly this exact scenario in His parable of the wedding feast. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8–11). The book of Esther shows how Esther humbly presented herself to King Ahasuerus in contrast to Haman who was arrogant. At significant risk, she presented herself to the king on behalf of her people who faced genocide. The king extended his golden scepter toward Esther as a sign of his favor, but Esther did not rush to make her request known. Instead, she touched the tip of the scepter and waited for him to ask. In contrast to Esther's humble approach, wicked Haman boldly asked to destroy the Jews. Ultimately, the proud Haman was embarrassed (Esther 3-6 ). Let us remember today that humility is an important virtue. Don't put yourself before others. Humility comes before honor.[Prov 18:12] The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. [Prov 22;4] Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 24:27 (ESV) 27 Prepare your work outside;get everything ready for yourself in the field,and after that build your house. PLAN, PREPARE AND PRIORITIES The importance of proper priorities cannot be minimized. There are few schools of thought about this verse. The first is one ought to complete his basic labors before worrying about non-essentials. Secondly, one has to develop one's career and abilities before starting a family. Nevertheless, this is a reminder that one should ensure "the most important things" are tended to before spending time and effort on less critical subjects. All of these are compatible with the general theme of this proverb or saying, that is, it is best to plan one's work, and work for it. What are we doing today may prepare us for an opportunity in the future.  In a literal example, it would be unwise to construct a permanent home when one doesn't have crops planted yet. In the ancient world, most people were farmers. After the fields are growing is the proper time to put effort into less-crucial areas. Careful planning, in the present, was essential to ensuring there would be food and resources available in the future. Spending time and effort on lesser concerns, when survival was not yet covered, would have been foolish. Without proper planning and preparation, a project is most likely to fail, isn't it? Jesus pointed out the wisdom of careful planning. It is necessary to plan before building a tower. The failure to plan would abort the project, and people would ridicule the builder (Luke 14:28–30). Of course, no one should undertake a project without first considering His will. Psalm 127:1 counsels, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." In the New Testament, James says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"[ Jas 4:13–15] Indeed, the Lord is the builder so He is indispensable in all our endeavors.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 24:23-26 (ESV) 23 These also are sayings of the wise.Partiality in judging is not good.24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,and a good blessing will come upon them.26 Whoever gives an honest answerkisses the lips.  THE WRONG OF PARTIALITY Partiality in judging is not good. Israel's judges were supposed to be impartial when deciding cases. Moses instructed them, "You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it." [Deut 1:17] He added, "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." [Deut 16:19] These injunctions provide wise counsel for today's judges, as well. Let us recall that Solomon was not only Israel's king but also the nation's judge. As such, he was obligated to decide cases wisely and administer justice equitably.  What causes a person to say to the wicked, “You are in the right”? He is doing this for selfish gain most likely. Such injustice may happen in response to a bribe, as a favor for a friend, out of fear of an influential person, or even due to personal preference. Such injustice contradicts what God and the public demand of a judge. They are to be fair, honest, and unintimated either to acquit the guiltless, and sentence the guilty appropriately. God does not acquit the wicked. His eyes are too pure to behold evil.[Hab 1:13] He abhors evil and punishes the wrongdoer. Psalm 25:8 declares, "Good and upright is the LORD." Consequently, a judge who administers justice with fairness can enjoy the inner satisfaction of doing the right thing. Also, for the most part, he will receive goodwill, and praise of law-abiding citizens. [see v.25] A judge or any person ‘gives an honest answer kisses the lips.' [v.26] This metaphor is grounded in the idea of a kiss being an expression of friendship and affection. The Hebrew words in this statement imply something sincere, "straight," and truthful. This corresponds to the idea of "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15). It is possible to be truthful and yet not be loving (Prov 15:1; 1 Pet 3:15). Yet it is impossible to be genuinely loving unless one is truthful. There is no love expressed in comforting lies. Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Verse 29 further expounds, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 24:10 (ESV) 10 If you faint in the day of adversity,your strength is small. STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY There is a play of words here. The original word for "adversity" is sārāh', while the word for "small" is sar'. On the other hand, the word translated "faint" can also mean to "let go," "weaken," or "fail." Stating that someone who "fails" in times of trouble is weak is not meant as an insult. It is a serious warning. Difficulty is a given reality that we experience even during earthly life (Psa 20:1; 86:7; Ecc 8:6; John 16:33). Every person should prepare to face it with godly wisdom (Prov 1:7; 24:5). Everyone encounters adversity including God's children. It is part of our normal lives. For the Christian, adversity could be a good thing. Paul recognizes the sovereignty of God in every circumstance we have, good or bad. He said, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”[Rom 8:28] James writes, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (Jas 1:2). His words were addressed to Hebrew Christians who were experiencing intense persecution. But why should adversity cause Christians to rejoice? James also gives the answer: "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (Jas 1:3). Further, steadfastness can make believers spiritually mature and "complete, lacking nothing" (Jas 1:4).  Even, the apostle Peter also wrote to persecuted Hebrew Christians about the value of adversity. He said trials prove the genuineness of one's faith (1 Pet 1:3–9). Believers under pressure of adversity are encouraged to brace themselves and trust in Christ's power. The writer of Hebrews exhorts; “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,“Yet a little while,and the coming one will come and will not delay;but my righteous one shall live by faith,and if he shrinks back,my soul has no pleasure in him.”But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”{Heb 10:35-39}Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 24:11-12 (ESV) 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death;hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,and will he not repay man according to his work? RESCUE THE OPPRESSED Firstly, we need to understand the context of this lesson. This is not about interfering a convicted, guilty criminal being executed in a lawful setting. This is about the innocent person having been persecuted and oppressed. When a believer sees cruelty, injustice, or atrocity, he is obligated to act in some way.  “If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.”[Eze 3:18]  “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”[Jas 4:17] “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”[1 John 3:17–18]  The parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 provides principles of being compassionate to people who are unjustly treated and oppressed. This implies an active responsibility to do good, rather than a passive avoidance of evil. It might be tempting to avoid controversy like the priest and the Levite. Being involved in the lives of others may invite trouble. Yet the victims of injustice desperately need help. Thus, like the good Samaritan, we are encouraged by Jesus to show compassion and do whatever it takes to help. Here, Solomon counsels us to get involved. That can mean speaking on behalf of the falsely accused. It might mean intervening in an unfair or abusive situation. By doing so one can save a wrongly condemned person from harm or even death. This has an implication in our attitude in evangelizing the least and lost. Christians ought to show compassion and seek to "rescue" those guilty and under the sentence of spiritual and eternal death (Rom 3:23; 6:23; Jude 1:21–23). Prov 11:30 teaches that "whoever captures souls is wise." Every unbeliever is in Satan's clutches and bound for eternal punishment (John 3:36). Every believer who preaches the gospel to an unbeliever and introduces him to the Savior applies godly wisdom (Prov 1:7; Jas 5:20). Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Pastor Christy Cass Pastor Christy Cass brings a powerful message on the impact of our words in “Words Have Weight.” Discover how what we say can either build up or break down—and why God calls us to speak life. TEXT: Proverbs 18:21; 16:24 Hebrews 12:11 NOTES: -Words have weight -Carry the weight -Take the weight Truth to Speak over Her: You are a loved daughter of the King. 1 Peter 2:9 You are wonderfully made by God. Psalm 139:14 You carry wisdom, kindness, and strength. Proverbs 31:25-26 Your worth comes from who you are—God's masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 You are pure, set apart, and walk with dignity. Proverbs 31:10 You are a light meant to shine with grace. Matthew 5:14 You are deeply loved—nothing can separate you from God's love. Romans 8:38-39 You are brave because God is with you. Joshua 1:9 Truth to Speak over Him: You are a strong and purposeful son of God. Galatians 4:7 You were made to lead with courage and compassion. Micah 6:8 You are God's workmanship, created for good things. Ephesians 2:10 You are brave, not by your strength, but by God's. 2 Timothy 1:7 You are called to protect, serve, and love with honor. 1 Cor. 16:13-14 Your identity is rooted in God's Word, not the world. Romans 12:2 You are a light and a leader in your home and community. Phil. 2:15 You are never alone—God is always with you. Isaiah 41:10

Scripture: Proverbs 22 Text: Proverbs 22:6 Theme: Train your children, trusting in God's promises.

Text: Proverbs 23:29-35 (ESV) 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?Who has strife? Who has complaining?Who has wounds without cause?Who has redness of eyes?30 Those who tarry long over wine;those who go to try mixed wine.31 Do not look at wine when it is red,when it sparkles in the cupand goes down smoothly.32 In the end it bites like a serpentand stings like an adder.33 Your eyes will see strange things,and your heart utter perverse things.34 You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,like one who lies on the top of a mast.35 “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt;they beat me, but I did not feel it.When shall I awake?I must have another drink.” WINES AND WOES Woe ... sorrow, these words in the original are interjections, probably expressing distress. The sharp touch of the satirist reproduces the actual inarticulate utterances of drunkenness. [v.29] 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?Who has strife? Who has complaining?Who has wounds without cause?Who has redness of eyes?The wine flavored with aromatic spices, does increase its stimulating properties. There is a touch of sarcasm in “go to seek.” The word, elsewhere is used of diligent search after knowledge [Prov 25:2; Job 11:7; Psa 139:1] It is used here of the investigations of connoisseurs in wine testing its qualities.30 Those who tarry long over wine;those who go to try mixed wineThere is a warning not to look at the wine. It sparkles with its beaded bubbles on which the wine drinker looks with complacency. The Hebrew word describes the pellucid stream flowing pleasantly from the wineskin or jug into the goblet or the throat (comp.Song of Solomon 7:9) rather than, a sparkling wine. Be warned for it is treacherous as a snake. [v.32] As a result, your eyes will behold strange women (v.32-33), You will lose your inhibitions. your heart shall utter perverse things (v.33). Things that you would not normally say and do. But now that you're under its influence, your inhibitions have been loosed. You are going to do all kinds of weird and stupid things. Yea, you shall be as he that lies down in the middle of the sea (v. 34). A drunkard behaves as one who is sea-sick. Doing just really dumb things. They have stricken me, you will say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, but I didn't feel it (v. 34-35): You'll wake up with all the bruises and cuts and you don't know how you've got them. when shall I awake? (v. 35) And then what happens? You will go right back and seek it yet again v.35. This the tragic effects of addiction to wine or alcoholism described quite graphically here in Proverbs.Such imagery is used by Paul in a positive application to a believer filled with the Spirit. He says, “18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”[Eph 5:18-20] . In contrast, the person filled with the Spirit is always a blessing.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 23:26-27 (ESV) My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well. GIVE ME YOUR HEART Solomon urges his son to give him his heart, that is, he is to emulate him. There is a call to pattern his ethics after his father. The son has to lead a godly lifestyle like his father. To do that, the son would need his eyes to ‘observe his ways.' In the New Testament, we read Jesus' command to His disciples to follow Him. He said, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me" (John 12:26). In other words, Jesus' followers must take the same path through life that Jesus took. They must imitate Jesus' righteous life of service. The apostle Paul urged the Philippian believers to follow the example Jesus set, He writes: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5). Why the son is encouraged to keep their eyes on a godly example? This need for careful observation is directly tied to Solomon's warning about sexual sin (Prov 23:27). The next verse [v.27]begins with "because" or "since," most often translated as "for" as the reason why he has to fix his eyes upon the godly ways of his father. The importance of this advice to "look" at a godly lifestyle counters the way sexual temptation often begins with one's eyes (Prov 6:25; Mat 5:28). Tragically, Solomon himself was tempted into sin by intimate relationships (1 Kings 11:4).  Sexual sin often starts with the eyes (Mat 5:28). Failing to watch where one looks is as dangerous as being careless about where one steps, is it not? The book of Proverbs speaks a lot about these sinful temptations as traps (Prov 5:22; 7:22–23; 22:14; 28:10). Imagine a person walking on streets with concealed manholes while his eyes are looking at the billboards around. That person can fall into it in a moment. The Hebrew phrasing of verse 27 implies the entire category of sexual temptation, which may refer to "fornication" and "adultery." The "prostitute" refers those who deliberately tempt others for money, or sport while the "adulteress" represents those who betray others in their sin. Whether the tempter is married or unmarried, both offer something spiritually deadly. Similarly, the literal phrasing refers to women tempting men but the principle applies to any person regardless of gender. The point is this; sexual sin violates God's design for intimacy. And a naïve son could be an easy prey to this predator. It surely brings tremendous risks, both physically and socially to him (Prov 6:27–35).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 23:12 (ESV) 12 Apply your heart to instructionand your ear to words of knowledge. APPLY YOUR HEART TO INSTRUCTION The entire book of Proverbs emphasizes the value of godly wisdom. He occasionally stops to highlight the importance of wisdom. This verse is one of those reminders. Solomon used specific terms to depict levels of wisdom. The word "learning" is acquiring information, "knowledge" is learning retained for long-term use or application, "wisdom" is the capacity to act correctly based on knowledge. "Understanding", however, is a developed level of wisdom which should be shared with others. There is a need of discipline and close attention if a person wants to gain godly wisdom (Prov 1:1–7). This means that true wisdom requires intentional choices. A person can "know" what is right, but the heart must apply that knowledge to real-life situations. Even, Jesus said, "Take care then how you hear" (Luke 8:18]. That is, we ought not merely perceive His Word, but also obey it. James writes in more details. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25] In these verses, he exhorts his readers to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" What does he mean? He explains that whoever reads into God's Word but fails to apply it is like someone who looks into a mirror and immediately forgets what his face looks like. He reasons that blessing comes to the person who intentionally ‘apply his heart to instruction.'Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Proverbs 23:10-11 (ESV) 10 Do not move an ancient landmarkor enter the fields of the fatherless,11 for their Redeemer is strong;he will plead their cause against you THE REDEEMER OF THE FATHERLESS The sin committed here is something like a modern person altering a map, uprooting surveyor's stakes, or moving a fence. The Lord specifically forbade this (Deut 27:17). Even worse than this cheating someone out of property is to defraud someone already disadvantaged, such as those who have lost a father. (see Proverbs 22:22; 31:8–9). James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jas 1:27). God, however, promises a Redeemer. He is someone associated with a family member's obligation to care for a destitute relative (Ruth 4:6). Clearly, the scriptures indicate that God Himself is in favor of the poor. Thus, it's reasonable to see this Redeemer as a reference to the Lord Himself. Deut 10:18 says, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." Psa 10:17–18 states, "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." As the Redeemer of the fatherless, the Lord opposes those who maltreat them. In the book of Ruth, we read about Boaz, Naomi's relative, who took the role of a kinsman redeemer to buy Naomi's field and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 4:7–10). Also, King David is an example of kindness to a fatherless, helpless person. He sent for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, and welcomed him into the palace. He set a place at the table for Mephibosheth, gave him land, and instructed Saul's servant Ziba and his sons to work the land for Mephibosheth. (2 Sam 9:1–13). Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

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]Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Gentleness is not weakness.  In fact, gentleness is a powerful, Christ-like response that disarms hostility and helps to build better relationships.  What if we didn't have to respond to opposition with aggression and defensiveness?   Text: Proverbs 15:1, 4; 19:11, 18; 29:11; 14:1, 3 Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Gentleness is not weakness.  In fact, gentleness is a powerful, Christ-like response that disarms hostility and helps to build better relationships.  What if we didn't have to respond to opposition with aggression and defensiveness?  Text: Proverbs 15:1, 4; 19:11, 18; 29:11; 14:1, 3 Speaker: Aaron Patton

Text: Proverbs 16:33Preacher: Pete JohnsonTo learn more about Gospel Life Church visit https://www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Proverbs 3:1-12

Send us a textKeep wisdom in your heart then do something with it. (Text: Proverbs 4.23-27)

Send us a textReceive and store wisdom in your heart because from there it can affect your whole body.  (Text: Proverbs 4.20-27)

​Sunday Sermon by Ryan Ferguson — We all struggle with fear and anxiety at times, and with worry. Fear typically has a specific object and can be helpful to us; anxiety is usually more generalized, and often interferes with our lives. God calls us not to be anxious, but to put our trust in him, even when we are faced with very real fears. When we trust in him, he helps us overcome our anxiety, and he gives us his peace. Text: Proverbs 3:5-6

Text: Proverbs 31. The Rev. Amber Carswell preaches the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B.

As we continue our journey through the Wisdom literature of the Bible, this week we hear from Wisdom herself. Join us as we are challenged to heed the call of Wisdom.    Text: Proverbs 1:20-33

Text: Proverbs 3: 1-8Support the Show.