Proverbs 16-18; Romans 15
In Proverbs 16, Solomon presents various truths that characterize life. He speaks about God's sovereign power and the importance of humility before Him.
- "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but the Lord weighs motives. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:2-3).
- "The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster" (Proverbs 16:4).
- "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
- "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
- "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).
In the following two chapters, there is a contrast between foolishness and wisdom, directly connected with acknowledging God's lordship and humility before Him.
- "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).
- "Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor" (Proverbs 18:12).
Romans 15
In concluding his letter, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of believers accepting one another, once again noting God's work and human responsibility simultaneously: "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up…May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had…Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to bring praise to God" (Romans 15:2, 5, 7).
Speaking of his plans to visit Rome, Paul asks, "…join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30). He acknowledges his need for God's intervention and the prayers of others. He elaborates on this need: "Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there" (Romans 15:31). Ministry always faces challenges and resistance from various directions, and we always need God's help and the prayers of others.
- "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but the Lord weighs motives. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:2-3).
- "The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster" (Proverbs 16:4).
- "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
- "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
- "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).
In the following two chapters, there is a contrast between foolishness and wisdom, directly connected with acknowledging God's lordship and humility before Him.
- "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).
- "Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor" (Proverbs 18:12).
Romans 15
In concluding his letter, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of believers accepting one another, once again noting God's work and human responsibility simultaneously: "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up…May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had…Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to bring praise to God" (Romans 15:2, 5, 7).
Speaking of his plans to visit Rome, Paul asks, "…join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30). He acknowledges his need for God's intervention and the prayers of others. He elaborates on this need: "Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there" (Romans 15:31). Ministry always faces challenges and resistance from various directions, and we always need God's help and the prayers of others.
Posted in Reading Bible Together