Proverbs 19-21; Psalm 40; Romans 16
Proverbs 19-21
The dangers of laziness and the blessings of honest labor are recurring themes in the book of Proverbs:
- “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry” (Proverbs 19:15).
- “What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar” (Proverbs 19:22).
- “A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!” (Proverbs 19:24).
- “The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him” (Proverbs 20:23).
- “The craving of a sluggard will be his death because his hands refuse to work” (Proverbs 21:25).
Another recurring theme is the danger of sinful speech:
- “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free” (Proverbs 19:5).
- “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel” (Proverbs 20:15).
- “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare” (Proverbs 21:6).
- “A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully” (Proverbs 21:28).
Psalm 40
David’s experiences often foreshadow the Messiah, the great Son of David, who was to come. Sometimes, it is challenging to distinguish whether David speaks of himself or the coming Messiah. We can be sure when the New Testament quotes such passages. In Psalm 40, David speaks of the blessing of trusting in God: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:4-5). The following verses exemplify these wonders: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:6-8). These words are quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7 to show that sacrifices cannot solve the problem of human sin, requiring a change of heart, made possible only through Christ’s Sacrifice.
Romans 16
In conclusion of the letter, the Apostle Paul includes his greetings, mentioning nearly 40 names and saying something specific about most of them. This demonstrates Paul’s involvement in the lives of people around him. Though a great apostle, missionary, and theologian, Paul was driven by the real life of Christ, which connected him with others. In this context, he warns of the danger of divisions: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://forms.gle/AgnZhpUp2iU1i7Jf6
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
The dangers of laziness and the blessings of honest labor are recurring themes in the book of Proverbs:
- “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry” (Proverbs 19:15).
- “What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar” (Proverbs 19:22).
- “A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!” (Proverbs 19:24).
- “The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him” (Proverbs 20:23).
- “The craving of a sluggard will be his death because his hands refuse to work” (Proverbs 21:25).
Another recurring theme is the danger of sinful speech:
- “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free” (Proverbs 19:5).
- “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel” (Proverbs 20:15).
- “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare” (Proverbs 21:6).
- “A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully” (Proverbs 21:28).
Psalm 40
David’s experiences often foreshadow the Messiah, the great Son of David, who was to come. Sometimes, it is challenging to distinguish whether David speaks of himself or the coming Messiah. We can be sure when the New Testament quotes such passages. In Psalm 40, David speaks of the blessing of trusting in God: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:4-5). The following verses exemplify these wonders: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:6-8). These words are quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7 to show that sacrifices cannot solve the problem of human sin, requiring a change of heart, made possible only through Christ’s Sacrifice.
Romans 16
In conclusion of the letter, the Apostle Paul includes his greetings, mentioning nearly 40 names and saying something specific about most of them. This demonstrates Paul’s involvement in the lives of people around him. Though a great apostle, missionary, and theologian, Paul was driven by the real life of Christ, which connected him with others. In this context, he warns of the danger of divisions: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://forms.gle/AgnZhpUp2iU1i7Jf6
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
Posted in Reading Bible Together