How can a young man keep his way pure Psalm 119:9a (ESV) This question is not just a casual question of a young man living a pure life and passively hoping to keep it that way. Rather, it is a question of a young man looking down the path of his life, realising that he […]
God is wonderful in counsel
We know that God is the “Wonderful Counsellor” (Is 9:6), but we often take that to be a mere spiritual comfort rather than a practical call to listen and follow His instruction. Perhaps the most beautiful description of God’s wisdom and counsel is this: This also comes from the LORD of hosts;he is wonderful in […]
Tips on getting older
Getting older is not for the weak. Unfortunately, weakness is one of the symptoms of getting older. Such frustrations imply that the Bible probably has much to say about said topic. Indeed, God has much to say on getting older. Expository sermon series can be preached on these verses, but at the very least, we […]
A better parent for your children
It is at least stereotypically true that those without children think they would be better parents for your children, but once they have children of their own their realise that they too need better parents for their children. The book of Proverbs is that better parent. Whether you are a single parent raising your children […]
I need a good friend and you need me to be a good friend
We are simply too selfish (Pro 18:1), too limited in understanding (Pro 18:2), and too foolish (Pro 12:15) to think we can go through life without some serious input from some good friends. The first obvious benefit of having some good friends is spiritual growth. Just like your physical body doesn’t grow when some of […]
“I think” VS “God said”
Too much of spiritual discussion between Christians fall into the “I think” category instead of the “God said” category. Because we are weak in specific Bible knowledge and strong in our opinion, we often say things to other Christians that could be much improved on. There is a subtle satisfaction that comes from staying on […]
The insight of self-awareness
Two verses in Proverbs affirm the kind of self-awareness that characterise the wise. You might not find the somewhat psychologised term “self-awareness” in the topic index at the back of your Bible, but the more active description of self-awareness is that of “give thought to” your deeds and lifestyle. The first verse is Proverbs 14:15 […]
Wiser than the aged and educated
Experience and education are hailed as the great tutors of life in this world. We trust those with experience more than we trust those with mere head knowledge, and we trust those with reputable head knowledge more than we trust those who merely repeat their own opinions. Experience and education are the very best that […]
Why sensible people fear God
Elihu, one of Job’s younger friends, didn’t understand Job’s situation very well, but he did have a good understanding of who God really is. Elihu was sensible enough to recognise why mankind should fear God and stop following their own ways. In short poetic form we read this from Elihu. God is clothed with awesome […]
Do you understand or do you repeat?
The parental proverb of “He who repeats a matter has no thoughts of his own” is a somewhat demeaning way of putting an end to gossip, but there is some truth to it. In a more sanctified manner Proverbs 15:14 says, The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools […]