January 19, 2024

What does it mean for "Pride to Go Before Destruction"? As a lawyer, I really enjoyed the courtroom analogy!

Proverbs 16

Cameron Roy
Friday's Devo

January 19, 2024

Friday's Devo

January 19, 2024

Friday's Devo

January 19, 2024

Friday's Devo

January 19, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction,     
and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16

1  The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2  All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the LORD weighs the spirit. 1 16:2 Or spirits
3  Commit your work to the LORD,
    and your plans will be established.
4  The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5  Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
    be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6  By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
7  When a man's ways please the LORD,
    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8  Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
9  The heart of man plans his way,
    but the LORD establishes his steps.
10  An oracle is on the lips of a king;
    his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11  A just balance and scales are the LORD's;
    all the weights in the bag are his work.
12  It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
    for the throne is established by righteousness.
13  Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
    and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14  A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
    and a wise man will appease it.
15  In the light of a king's face there is life,
    and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16  How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17  The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
    whoever guards his way preserves his life.
18  Pride goes before destruction,
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19  It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
    than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20  Whoever gives thought to the word 2 16:20 Or to a matter will discover good,
    and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21  The wise of heart is called discerning,
    and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22  Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.
23  The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24  Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25  There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death. 3 16:25 Hebrew ways of death
26  A worker's appetite works for him;
    his mouth urges him on.
27  A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech 4 16:27 Hebrew what is on his lips is like a scorching fire.
28  A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends.
29  A man of violence entices his neighbor
    and leads him in a way that is not good.
30  Whoever winks his eyes plans 5 16:30 Hebrew to plan dishonest things;
    he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31  Gray hair is a crown of glory;
    it is gained in a righteous life.
32  Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33  The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is from the LORD.

Footnotes

[1] 16:2 Or spirits
[2] 16:20 Or to a matter
[3] 16:25 Hebrew ways of death
[4] 16:27 Hebrew what is on his lips
[5] 16:30 Hebrew to plan
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #15: Fountains

Fact: Fountains

The fountains of ancient Israel (16:22) were not the decorative kind seen today. A fountain was a natural spring-fed pool and was considered a treasure in the arid climate. Cities were often built around such water sources.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 16:6 This proverb portrays the sacrificial system, by which iniquity is atoned for, as an expression of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (see Ex. 34:6; Prov. 3:3; 14:22; 20:28). The right response is the fear of the LORD, by which one turns away from doing evil (compare 3:7; 14:16; Job 1:1; Ps. 34:14). The Bible consistently presents the effort to behave morally as the right response to God’s grace.

Study Notes

Prov. 16:1–9 The comparison between the plans of a man’s heart (vv. 1a, 9a) and the sovereign direction of the LORD (vv. 1b, 9b) unifies this section. Verses 2–8 focus on the heart-action connection.

Study Notes

Prov. 16:10–15 These verses concern the king, who is mentioned in all but v. 11. These proverbs represent the ideal ruler, and imply that people should have respect for their leaders.

Study Notes

Prov. 16:16–19 The “better” sayings of vv. 16 and 19 value wisdom over gold and humility with the poor over spoil with the proud. The middle verses offer guidance on how to continue in the way of the wise (v. 17) and humble (v. 18). For similar statements of what the wise person should value, see 15:16–17; 16:8; 19:1, 22; 28:6.

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #15: Fountains

Fact: Fountains

The fountains of ancient Israel (16:22) were not the decorative kind seen today. A fountain was a natural spring-fed pool and was considered a treasure in the arid climate. Cities were often built around such water sources.

Study Notes

Prov. 16:20–24 These verses commend the kind of speech that is typical of those who are wise of heart.

Study Notes

Prov. 16:25–32 a way that seems right . . . but. People often have the wrong idea about what is good and what is bad. Hunger seems a bad thing, but it forces people to work and keeps them from idleness (v. 26). Gray hair seems to be a mark of decline but actually is a crown of glory (v. 31; compare 20:29). Finally, a mighty warrior seems to be the strongest man of all, but in reality a man who can control himself is stronger than a conqueror (16:32).

Study Notes

Prov. 16:10–33 The remaining sections of ch. 16 illustrate the benefits of wisdom for the well-being of the heart (vv. 16–19, 20–24, 25–33).

S3:015 Proverbs 16

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Dive Deeper | Proverbs 16

What is pride?

I'm a fan of what John Piper says about it, "Pride is turning away from Christ to find satisfaction in self and being made much of by others."

Pride is as old as humanity. Adam and Eve, in their pride, rejected God's way of living, decided to trust in themselves, and, as a result, destruction and a fall have ensued that we are all subjected to. 

What does pride do?

Pride makes us look down on others to feel better about ourselves. When God asked Adam about his choice, he blamed Eve, and when God asked Eve about her choice, she blamed the serpent. 

Pride separates and kills love. The prideful decision by Adam and Eve separated their intimate relationship not only with God but also with one another. 

At its worst, pride causes us to seek glory instead of giving it. Look-at-me-itis is a disease running wild in our high self-esteem world.

What to do about pride?

First, we must accept the fact that we are so sinful, so prone to evil, and so flawed that nothing less than the death of the Son of God on the cross can save us. This is the greatest gift of all, and rejecting it is evidence of a lack of humility. Unity with God through Christ was achieved through radical humility unto death. Therefore, it can only be received through humility. We must admit that every part of ourselves needs every part of Christ.

Second, we must leave the courtroom. How often do we put ourselves or others on trial in our hearts or in conversation with others? In 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, Paul says that not only does he not care what other people think about him, but he doesn't even care what he thinks about himself. Only God's judgment matters, and the verdict is in. Christ went into the courtroom to receive the verdict that we deserved—guilty— so that we could leave the courtroom receiving the verdict He deserved—not guilty. In Jesus, the court's judgment is satisfied.

Let's humbly accept the verdict and leave the courtroom with a thankful heart.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. Who are the people in your life that you're most tempted to look down on to feel better about yourself? Examples might be members of your family, co-workers, neighbors, famous people, etc. What is something you can do to see them as people to be loved rather than judged or condemned in your court?

2. In what area of your life do you find it difficult to humbly accept God's forgiveness through Christ? If this is your last 2%, then I encourage you to talk to your community group or a trusted person about it. 

3. Do you believe there is any part of your being that is good enough to not need the blood of Christ? (Do your 635 driving habits need to be forgiven?)

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

Great devo Cameron- Loved how you directed and presented how bad pride is. This is truth- Any instant I don’t think I’m prideful shows that I am! ------------------------------------------------------------------- Proverbs 16 in Three sections Proverbs 16:1-9 Verses in this passage about planning. - “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” (v. 1) - “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (v. 3) - “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (v. 9) In Forgotten Father’s we spend a lot of time understanding our role versus God’s role. We learn that He commands us to manage the earth He has given us. - “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Gen 1:26) I note this passage calls me to be fully engaged and not just sit there watch the parade. My role is to “have dominion” and so to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Further, our FF Bible study curriculum calls me to manage, (have dominion), by planning, directing and delegating. Planning - “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer 29:11) Directing - “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (Gen 18:19) Delegating - “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” (Ex 18:13-27, v. 21) The common thread I see in these passages is that the plan for me to focus on is God’s plan, not my plan. Satan tells me that my plan is great. A lifetime of broken relationships shows me it leads to death, (Pr 14:12). From Wiersbe - “It is inconceivable that our loving heavenly Father would give His Son to die for us, and then abandon us to our own ways! We are not our own because we have been purchased by God (1 Cor. 6:19-20), so it’s reasonable that our Master should have a perfect plan for us to fulfill for His glory.” From Dr. C - "Man proposes, God disposes," is a common equivalent. God has the last word. I seem to spend a lot of time talking to God and not enough listening to Him. When I do get quiet, pray for guidance and listen I always get a better plan. Every single time. The Biblically based counsel of others helps me confirm any doubts my sinful nature has. Gratitude - That God hears my prayers and shows me His plan. Prayer - That I stay in the back seat of God’s tandem bicycle and let Him stay in the front. He is way better up there than I am.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 16:10-20 Verses about kings, rulers and leaders, (vv 10-15). “An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.” “A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work.” “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.” “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.” “A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.” “In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.” God has given me positions of leadership so that I may represent him. I am asking myself many questions - - Am I “ruling” in my kingdom in a way that is clearly in line with God’s will? (Col 4:1) - Who counsels me and will give me honest and loving biblical wisdom? (Pr 15:22) - What accountability do I ask for? Do I seek the iron of others to sharpen my iron? (Pr 27:17) - Am I loving Amy as Christ loved the church? (Eph 5:25) - Am I discipling my adult kids and continuing to “train them up in the way of the LORD”? (Pr 22:6) - Am I leading my team at work using Jesus’s leading of the disciples as my model? (MT 20:26) Do I REALLY want to know how those in my “kingdom” would answer these questions? Gratitude - For the constant reminder that the reason God gives me leadership responsibilities is to glorify Him and serve others. Prayer - May life be in the light of my face. That I would meditate on these truths day and night and write them on my heart. That I would seek counsel, accountability and feedback from those who follow Him as I do.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 16:21-33 Verses in the passage about having a wise heart. - :The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” (v. 21) - “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” (v. 23) What I see in these verses is how a wise heart can make my speech sweet and judicious. The world tells me I should use my speech to get what would honor me. God tells me to use it to get what honors Him. Recently I have become more fully aware of how a lifetime of my speech has hurt the key relationships God has given me; mainly my kids but also family and friends. My prayers have been for God to provide me with the discernment, wisdom and humility to rebuild these relationships. King Solomon also teaches me God’s wisdom: - “He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. (Eccl 3:11b) My heart has always longed for eternity. I searched for the wisdom to find it. The volume of the world’s call was so loud I continually gave in. I am thankful for God’s patience as He waited for me to surrender to Him so that He could teach me. Gratitude - Today I am grateful for changed heart and for the patience of God. Also, for the teachings that point me towards an eternal perspective. Prayer - That his words will be on my heart all day. That I will turn down the world’s volume and turn up His.
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Michael Scaman

Address to "The Holy Club" based on Proverbs 16, Oxford University, 19 January 1720, by Methodist Charles Wesley: Young Charles cleared his throat and began his speech. We have recently been disparagingly called "the Methodists" by some at Oxford because of the methods we use as disciplines in pursuing holiness .Tonight, we will discuss 7 methods for effective "Methodists" gleaned from Proverbs 16. Aligning with Divine Purpose - Commit to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3): Define your goals with a heart committed to the Lord, aligning your aspirations with the divine purpose that guides our lives even amidst pressures here in Oxford. Acknowledge the Lord's guidance in planning your steps and surrender your schedules to His divine order. The Lord establishes the steps of the small and the great, be it Queen Anne, King George, or us. We acknowledge that He directs out steps even as our hearts plan and colabor with Him in our dependent manner. Continuous Learning - Seek Wisdom (Proverbs 16:16): Embrace a spirit of continuous learning, seeking divine wisdom that transcends worldly knowledge, enriching your understanding and faith. Effective Communication - Speak Graciously (Proverbs 16:24): Master the art of effective communication with gracious speech, recognizing the transformative power of words in building meaningful connections and reflecting Christ's love. Resilience and Adaptability - Trust in the Lord's Purpose (Proverbs 16:4): Cultivate adaptability by placing your trust in the Lord's overarching purpose. Find strength and resilience in His divine plan. Be resilient in your faithfulness (Proverbs 16:6): Develop resilience rooted in steadfast love and faithfulness, reflecting the unwavering commitment to our Savior in the face of life's challenges. Networking - Please the Lord in Relationships (Proverbs 16:7): Prioritize authentic connections that please the Lord, fostering relationships based on shared faith and values beyond the surface of worldly success. Strategic Planning and Mindfulness - Commit Work to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3) and be mindful (Proverbs 16:25): Practice mindfulness by prioritizing divine wisdom over worldly appearances, cultivating a discerning spirit in decision-making guided by faith. Engage in strategic planning, committing your endeavors to the Lord, recognizing that every labor is a sacred offering, just as we proclaimed in the hymn "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today." And as Methodists ve vigilent against the 'methods" of the devil. Instead, foster collaboration by valuing righteous speech, promoting ethical communication that aligns with the teachings of Christ in all your interactions. In Christ's Love, Charles Wesley Member of The Holy Club and "A Methodist"
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Michael Scaman

A verse from a related chapter reminds us that ' humility goes before honor' As far as courtroom analogies, I like that Isaiah and the Song of Moses begin the same way - calling heaven and earth summoning them to a court proceeding before God indicting God's people and indirectly the world. The from chapter 40 on it changes to a redemption song. Sing of heavens and rejoice oh mountains and hills for the LORD has redeemed Jacob.. It says 3 or 4 times.
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Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 16:4 Proverbs 16:4 (NASB) The LORD has made everything for its [or His] own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. cf. Isa 48:13, Jn 1:3, 10; 1Cor 8:6; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2; 2:10; Rev 4:11 "All the world was created for the Messiah." — Sanhedrin 98b "The entire universe was only created to attend to him." — Berakhot 6b
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greg jones

Good morning Cameron. I really like how you wrote the deeper dive into a courtroom setting. I found it really useful in driving home the application points. It also reminded me of the book of Job which along with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is considered a wisdom book in the Hebrew Bible. Job has a courtroom scene where God asks Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Ha Satan, the accuser, a title in Hebrew not the devil’s proper name replies, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” (Job 1:8-11) Many Bible scholars look at parallels in the Job narrative and the creation and fall narrative in Genesis 1-3 to support a view of wisdom connected to creation the way the law is connected to creation in Torah. If you’re ever having trouble sleeping read some of the work covering that topic. There is one thing easy to spot and notice in Genesis 3 and Job. In Genesis Adam and Eve are at fault and as a consequence their life as they knew it falls apart. In Job, Job is declared “a blameless and upright man” by God. Yet God allows Ha Satan, the DA if you will, to try Job of his accusations to see if Job will curse God when God’s hedge of protection is removed and a great life as Job knew it is wrecked. “At its worst, pride causes us to seek glory instead of giving it. Look-at-me-itis is a disease running wild in our high self-esteem world.” Agreeing with the statement but expanding the kind of reach pride can have I submit Job 22. In Job the expended view of the disease might be described as look-at-you…now-look…and…listen-to-me-itis. Considering Job 22. We know what the original accusation from heaven is from Chapter 1 (there is another in chapter 2). Job 22:5-9, Eliphaz speaking, v5 “is not your evil abundant? There is no end to your iniquities. Then there are about 7 specific charges leveled against Job. Irony, Satan knows God and suspects Job of something. Through Job’s trials Satan will know Job better. Eliphaz sees Job’s trials as affirming what he knows about God. And Eliphaz’s supposed knowledge of God is the basis for his earthly accusations. Through Job’s trials Eliphaz will know of God better. More irony Eliphaz still speaking: Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. Job 22:21 Job keeps insisting that he is righteous before God and that the calamity that he is experiencing has not been brought about by any unrighteousness on his part. And because we know of the heavenly accusations and conversations, God would be in agreement with Job. Last irony of the chapter. If Job will just agree with Eliphaz’s view of God, among other good things, there will come a day when he will teach other men the lesson contained in verse 29 concerning pride. If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents, if you lay gold in the dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed, then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you, and you will pay your vows. You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. V29 For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’; but he saves the lowly. He delivers even the one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.” Job 23:23-30 That’s a pretty good sales pitch Eliphaz’s part. But there was no pride on Job’s part in his denial of wrong. How easy would it be to fall into the temptation of agreeing with Eliphaz if you’re Job in this moment and without the behind the scenes knowledge of what is happening in the heavenly court? Great devotional. Great questions to expand views today.
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Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Cameron. LOOOOVE your idea of just up and leaving the courtroom instead of putting others on trial. What a great picture of repentance! Verse 3 really spoke to me: about committing our work to the LORD, as it parallels 1 Peter 5:7's call to commit our cares to God since both are rooted in a word picture of "rolling" our concerns onto Him. And leaving them there. There's something powerful about that word picture that helps me know how to transfer both my to-do list and the things that keep me awake at night, onto the Lord. And . . . my husband just asked, "Did you enjoy verse 31 today?" "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." Well yes, yes I did enjoy this verse. Except I prefer to call mine "silver." 'Cuz my motto is, "If it don't shine, it ain't mine." :::grin:::
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Lindsey Driscoll

Cameron, great devo about the effects of our pride today. Q1 - this is a convicting question one that I don’t often ask myself. Who do I look down on? In reading Proverbs thus far I see so much of Gods wisdom, I have been quick to see some non believing family members as fools or doing the exact opposite of Gods wisdom. I have continually confessed a struggle to love these non believing family members and I can see that so much of my lack of compassion towards them is rooted within my pride. There are so many places in my life where I am not living out Proverbs 17:20 and giving heed to Gods instruction. The Log and Speck principle. Matthew 7:3-5. Lord, show me more of my log than others specks.
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Maryann Adams

Thank you, Cameron! What an act of love for those young men you are shepherding! Praise God for His provision of that kind of personal ministry for potential future pastors. All your descriptions of pride were valuable and convicting. The Life Application Bible's translation of Proverbs 16:2 is relevant: "We can always "prove" that we are right, but is the LORD convinced?" I'm glad you included the 1 Corinthians passage...it is one The Holy Spirit often brings to my mind when trying to discern a response to a weighty conversation.
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Amy Lowther

1. None. Because of God, if I am looking outside myself more than I am looking within myself, I know I have work to do on me. It is best to find my value from within me than from looking down on others. 2. None. God helps me with forgiveness, and God helps me with what to do after forgiveness. 3. No. Cameron - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying “Paul says that not only does he not care what other people think about him, but he doesn't even care what he thinks about himself. Only God's judgment matters”. I encourage everyone to prioritize God in their lives and to let God prioritize them.