While reading and studying chapter 12, I noted that it began with the call to desire knowledge and being willing to accept instruction.

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.

For me, Proverbs has proven at times to be very painful instruction as it cuts deep into my own unworthiness before God. It dissects through the chaff of the darkest nature of my self-exalting human heart, leaving me so aware of my own inability to gain righteousness

. Yet, throughout; it lists the blessings for the righteous. If we read through the examples of righteousness presented in chapter 12; once more I believe the truth is like a surgeon fine instruments cutting away the cancer in our soul. I have paraphrased the 18 points of instruction that are presented in chapter 12.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs (21) Condemned by Truth, Forgiven by Grace →

Proverbs 11 begins with (NIV) “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Duplicity is defined as: deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter; double-dealing.

This chapter continues with comparisons of righteousness against the darkness of evil.

 

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God is Just and this becomes ever more evident throughout the book of Proverbs and is particularly true through this chapter. God detests dishonest scales—in business and in life.  Yet, were it not for Grace it is certain that we would all perish as these verses penetrate the depth of our hearts

.  Each verse could stand alone as a Proverb for the day; yet, the whole of the chapter is about justice and just rewards.  So, I encourage you to read the whole chapter and glean the particular richness from each verse; but, for here and now let’s look at four principles gleaned from this chapter.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom- A Study in Proverbs (Part 20)-Where Justice and Mercy Collide →

The Bible as a whole has a lot to say about the words we speak. Doubtless, we will be confronted many times over as we walk through the remainder of proverbs with cautionary words as to what we say. This becomes so very important. How many words that spilled forth from my own lips would I wish to take back? How many recordings of what others have said that hurt me ring forever in my head?

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Words become like seeds that are planted and can lead to thorny weeds that prick and hurt, delicate flowers with sweet aroma, or towering oaks that provide rest and shade for the weary. What we say matters and matters for years to come. In an instant of time we may crush the heart of someone.

We may go on without knowing what we have done; yet, those words continue to grow bitter inside. No matter how many times you say, “I am sorry” you can never fully repair the damage already done. The opposite is also true, words

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom- A Study in Proverbs (Part 19) Words are Seeds →

As we looked at in Part 17 of this study in proverbs, we found that the verses of Proverbs 10:11-32 is prefaced with “The mouth of the righteous is the fountain of Life.”  This we recognize as true only because of God’s Grace and Mercy.  The gospel is the fountain of living water, with life secured in Christ Jesus.  Our step by step sanctification is also an act of Grace on the part of God.  As we grow in Christ, we begin to realize that true joy can only be found in Him and He is the greatest treasure that we can ever desire or hope for. 

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2010 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws

As we seek and savor Him as our greatest treasure; then, we begin to love Him and trust Him with all our life, heart, spirit and soul.  Our faith in that future grace already purchased by Christ is the power that allows our speech to become a fountain of Life, as people begin to see Christ through us by the work of the Holy Spirit

This has nothing to do with me or any eloquence that I might have; but, is wholly dependent upon God’s Grace toward me.  Indeed, too often; I seem to be like Moses with stuttering of speech or Peter who spoke too soon.  Yet, Moses lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt; while Peter preached the evangelistic sermon that resulted in over three thousand people being saved in one day. (Acts 2: 40-42) This was Peter; now stepping forth clothed with Christ’s

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 18) Promises of God →

Safe Throughout the Storm

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

The storm was raging in the night

Our house in certain peril

The lightening flash, the only light

To break the darkest hour

 

The thunder roar enlarged the fear

The pelting rain and hail

Twas certain now, tornado near

No where were we to run

 

I felt the arms that held me tight

They carried me to shelter

I felt the strength, the love, the might

My father’s arms could give me

 

His shadow there, the door secure

Though raging winds pulled hard

He did not budge, His mission pure

To keep his children safe

 

Chorus:  There is safety in his arms

Those arms that hold me tight

So filled with love, so free from harms

It is his love, his gracious love

That keeps me safe throughout the storm

 

The storm was raging in my life

And darkness filled my heart

My hope was gone, my world was strife

Nowhere to run, depart

 

I had no strength to stand against

This whirlwind spiraling down

This heart of mine ripped ‘way each fence

I knew I neared to drown

 

And then I felt the arms of love

En-wrap me with His self

I could not feel the winds above

While sheltered in His arms

 

To think that God would love me so

To cry with each my tear

From there His throne to reach below

And hold me oh so dear

 

Chorus:  There is safety in His arms

Those arms that hold me tight

So filled with love, so free from harms

It is His love, his gracious love

That keeps me safe throughout the storm

© 2009 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”