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RCCG Miracle Land Dundalk
Wednesday, January 22 2025

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION
We have come to the final part of this year’s Proverbs Challenge, and in today’s study we shall be looking at the synopsis of chapters 21-31. These chapters contain a wide array of wisdom on practical living, justice, relationships, and virtues, culminating in a focus on the virtuous life looking at main topics such as diligence, humility, and godly fear.

DAY 21 - CHAPTER 21
Scriptures (Verse 16): “The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.” NLT
(Verse 21):The lovers of God who chase after righteousness will find all their dreams come true: an abundant life drenched with favor and a fountain that overflows with satisfaction.” TPT

Revelation: You can never go wrong with following after righteousness, but you can never be right following after foolishness.

Application: If there was ever any motivation for following after righteousness these two verses spell them out. More than ever before we must follow after righteousness. It’s not that we will never do wrong but when we do, it will not be on purpose.

DAY 22 - CHAPTER 22
Scriptures (Verse 10): “Say goodbye to a troublemaker and you’ll say goodbye to quarrels, strife, tension, and arguments, for a troublemaker traffics in shame.” [TPT]

Revelation: Unhealthy relationships create undue stress and tension

Application: Be decisive about severing toxic and unhealthy relationships. Never give anyone the power to manipulate you.

DAY 23 - CHAPTER 23
Scriptures (Verses 17-18): “Don’t allow the actions of evil men to cause you to burn with anger. Instead, burn with unrelenting passion as you worship God in holy awe. Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away.” TPT

Revelation: Anger displaces us from our God given purpose and future

Application: We have an assured future in God. We must continue to channel our passion towards the worship of God instead of burning in anger to the wickedness of the world

DAY 24 - CHAPTER 24
Scriptures (Verses 30-34)
“I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” [NLT]
(Verses 33-34 )TPT says: “Professional work habits prevent poverty from becoming your permanent business partner. And: If you put off until tomorrow the work you could do today, tomorrow never seems to come.”

Revelation: There’s always a lesson to learn from every situation even if it’s how not to do something but it takes effort

Application: We must never allow a learning opportunity slip by always being aware, open to learning and sensitive to the Holy Ghost

DAY 25 - CHAPTER 25
Scriptures (Verse 13): “Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!” MSG 

Revelation: The ear mark of reliable friendship is meaning and doing what one says

Application: Lord Jesus, please surround me with reliable friends and grant me the grace to be a reliable friend myself

DAY 26 - CHAPTER 26.
Scriptures (Verses 4-5) “Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself. Answer a fool in simple terms so he doesn’t get a swelled head.” MSG

Revelation: Never stoop low to the level of fools in order to make a point or retaliate.
A quote by George Bernard Shaw is fitting here:
“Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.”
To wrestle with a pig is to engage in a struggle with an opponent that benefits from the struggle even without winning it

Application: We must always be the bigger person and not respond to the words of a fool with more foolish words. Instead, we should answer with words of wisdom seasoned with salt and grace.

DAY 27 - CHAPTER 27
Scriptures (Verse 17): “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” AMP
“It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade, and so one person sharpens the character of another. “ TPT

Revelation: The more we have “spiritual interaction” with one another the more we are sharpened, strengthened and encouraged.

Application: For iron to sharpen iron in this context, there has to be “friction” and “pressure” that’s why two knives for instance can’t sharpen themselves but a sharpening
tool (file) can sharpen a knife. It is not a matter of two people massaging each other’s ego but instead introducing different points of view, challenging our resolve with objective interpretation of scriptures. We must be willing and open to interacting with those who are “stronger”, “more mature”, those who are not afraid to tell us the truth. It takes a “harder” material to sharpen a blade

DAY 28 - CHAPTER 28.
Scriptures (Verse 23): “If you correct someone with constructive criticism, in the end he will appreciate it more than flattery.” TPT

Revelation: A genuine and God-fearing person would appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.”

Application: We must always be future-thinking and concerned about what truly matters and not become people who massage another’s ego or expects someone to massage ours. So we must tell, expect and accept the truth even if it hurts now for the sake of the future (Psalms 15:5 MSG, Ecclesiastes 7:8

DAY 29 - CHAPTER 29
Scriptures (Verse 17): “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.” NLT

Revelation: Discipline a child early enough in life to avoid heartache in the future. Indulgence is not a mark of love but a bait for destruction

Application: Severally in the book of Proverbs we are admonished to discipline our children. Many restrain from discipline and indulge them indiscriminately because they think they love their children too much but Proverbs 13:24 says:
“If you withhold correction and punishment from your children, you demonstrate a lack of true love. So prove your love and be prompt to punish them.” TPT
Proverbs 19:18 “Don’t be afraid to discipline your children while they’re still : says TPTyoung enough to learn. Don’t indulge your children or be swayed by their protests.”

CHAPTER 30 -DAY 30
Scriptures: (Verse 5):
Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” NLT

Revelation: Every Word of God is tried, tested and proven true

Application: Psalm 12:6 tells us that the Words of the Lord are pure Words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. We must never doubt God’s Words; especially what it says about us. We must pray that the Lord grants us the grace and strength to continually trust in His unfailing Word

DAY 31 - CHAPTER 31
Scriptures (Verse 4): “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.” NLT

Revelation: Respectable people should steer clear of all sorts of intoxicants. Read Proverbs 23: 31-35. If you have the ambition to become somebody in this life then you must refrain from certain actions.

Application: There are consequences for all actions we take. Although this verse refers to wines and strong drinks, the same applies to things that will impact your judgment, your resolve and your reputation. Because as long as you remain a nobody no one cares. But as soon as you get out there, ready to or already making an impact in the world then people will go searching for mud to sling at you. And if by your actions either as a youth or past adult life you have by the lack of self-control engaged in anything scandalous, it will come out in the open.

CONCLUSION
The book of Proverbs serves as a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of daily life, offering practical wisdom that is both timeless and profound. It paints a multifaceted picture of wisdom, described in terms such as instruction (Proverbs 1:2-3), insight (Proverbs 2:10-11), wise dealing (Proverbs 3:21-22), discretion (Proverbs 5:1-2), learning (Proverbs 9:9), prudence (Proverbs 8:12), guidance (Proverbs 11:14), understanding (Proverbs 4:7), teaching (Proverbs 6:20-23), and knowledge (Proverbs 18:15).
Through these aspects, Proverbs teaches us how to relate with God (Proverbs 3:5-6) and others, and how to care for ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Proverbs 4:20-22). The lessons extend to managing relationships with friends (Proverbs 17:17), neighbours (Proverbs 27:10), strangers (Proverbs 25:21), spouses (Proverbs 31:10-12), children (Proverbs 22:6), and even the poor (Proverbs 19:17).
A recurring theme throughout the book is the importance of recognizing the consequences of our actions and inactions. Righteousness brings life and blessing (Proverbs 10:16), while foolishness leads to ruin (Proverbs 14:1). Hard work is rewarded (Proverbs 13:4), but laziness results in poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11).
Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is not only about knowledge but about applying it in our everyday lives, ensuring that our paths are directed by understanding and guided by the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). And that should be our prayer and desire, today and everyday of our lives.

Wednesday, January 15 2025

Contributor: Adewale Abiona

CHAPTER 11
Vs 1,3 - The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but He delights in accurate weights. Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
Here we see the benefits of righteousness and the pitfalls of wickedness in various aspects of life (vs 6-7). Vs 21 talk about beauty without discretion is like gold in the snout of a pig. Vs 25 explained that the generous will prosper and be refreshed, just as their good deed is refreshing to others.
The actions of the godly leave a positive impact on the people and in the community but the wicked is not so, people rejoice at their demise. (vs 10-11, 29-31)

CHAPTER 12
Whosoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid(vs1). The diligent will get the reward they deserve(vs24). Hash words break relationship, but a careful and a thoughtful word brings healing(vs18).
This chapter present the difference in character of the wise and the foolish. The wise are those that are disciplined and happy when corrected. It shows the contrast in the behaviour of the wicked and the righteous and what will be their end. One important thing and an encouragement for everyone who stand for the truth is that lies will soon be exposed(vs19). It also highlights the importance of a godly wife (vs5).

CHAPTER 13
In this chapter we more of the consequences of our choices. If we are going to get the best out of life and fit into God’s plan and purpose for our life, we are encouraged to follow path of the righteous.
Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin (vs6). The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out (vs8-9). Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble (vs20).

CHAPTER 14
When we look at this chapter, it is very clear that the mouth of the fool is a rod that beats them(vs3). Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains(vs13). In other words, pain the ungodly might be hiding with a big smile, you may not understand. Vs19 goes further to say, “Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly”, that is evil will never prevail.
In vs26-27 is a clear distinction of what those who fear the Lord get compared to the ungodly. “Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death”

CHAPTER 15
In this chapter, we can see the impacts of the godly (wise) and the ungodly (foolish), wherever they are, in the family, community fellowship or the nation at large. Godly people are a treasure, bringing peace and harmony while the ungodly brings trouble. There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble (vs6). Vs3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good, and in vs8 it says The Lord reject the sacrifice of the wicked and honour the prayer of the upright. Vs 17 sum it all up for us, it is better to dwell where love is than where riches abound with wickedness. “A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate”.

CHAPTER 16
This sum of this chapter is that God determines what will happen. Yes, we can make plan as man and set thing in motion, but the outcome will only be according to His plan for his own children. But for the ungodly, it will be according to his principles. (vs1, 33). Isaiah 3:10-11 As a godly person, when the motive is right and are in line with His plan (vs2), then you will ask a thing or plan something, and it will come to pass because your heart was guided by Him and that you have taken counsel from His word. Even when there are oppositions of the wicked, vs7 says when your lifestyle pleasant to Him, even your enemies will be at peace with you. When we consider Vs 18 & 25 pride goes before a fall…& there is a part that seems right to man, but it ends in failure, you will see that both is saying the Lord determines how everything will end. The pride will fall from their horse back and those who think they are wise in their own eyes will definitely fail.

CHAPTER 17
This chapter show how our personality in terms of the words of our mouth and the thought of our heart affects our life and relationships. It Start by showing us what privilege and favour wisdom can bring to us, access to what we have no right to. Vs 2 A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children and ends with vs 28 a fool is considered wise because they understand when to silent.
Just one example in vs 9 “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends”. Both our mouth and heart are required in the fulfilment of the above verse. With your heart you will forgive and with your mouth you will proclaim it. By doing, what the verse is saying, you will keep your relationship intact and give yourself a peaceful atmosphere.

CHAPTER 18
Verse 1-6 list some of the things a foolish person delights in, but will also ruin themselves with their own mouth vs7.
Vs 21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Through this chapter we understand that wisdom is profitable to direct, especially when it comes to engaging other people. Vs 18 says “Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents”. Leaving an argument can preserve life just as engaging in some can destroy. Again, we see how the life of the wise can be preserved and how a fool can endangered their own life. It also mentions in vs 16 that a man’s gift(wisdom and godly character) will make room for him and position them for favour, including good wife/husband
A fool delights in his own opinions. The name of LORD is a strong tower. A gift opens the way. The tongue can bring life or death.

CHAPTER 19 - 20
There is a call for us to make a wise choice; honesty over dishonesty (19 vs 5, 9, 28-29). To be generous instead of being stingy (19 vs 17),
To be diligent rather than being lazy (19 vs 15,24; 20 vs13) because laziness tend to poverty and the poor are alone(19 vs 4,7)
To discipline children when they are much younger than indulging them (19 vs18)
These is because people ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord (19 vs 3)
To be sober and of an humble spirit than to be fill with wine and alcohol and be led astray. (20 vs1)
It is emphasised once again that the Lord sees the heart of everyone, and He will expose the hidden thing, therefore we need to purify our heart.
Wisdom suggests that we let go and let God since He will determine the outcome (20 vs 24) The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendour of the old. (20 vs29). It is advisable that the young once allow themselves to be guided (19 vs 2)

In conclusion, there is wisdom for everyday living, covering every aspect of our life. The choice is ours, to be wise and be saved or to be fools and reap the consequence that comes with it.
Whatever your choice is, it will show in your character, conduct. (20 vs 11) “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (14:12).

Thursday, January 09 2025

Contributor: Tobi Morakinyo

Introduction
Proverbs are truths expressed in a somewhat obscured or coded way—short sayings filled with wisdom. The Book of Proverbs is one of the “Wisdom” Books in the Bible, alongside Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. King Solomon authored Proverbs during the early years of his reign after receiving the gift of wisdom from God and before turning away from Him. The book is like an earthly father’s letter to his sons. Given the spirit of wisdom (God) in Solomon, he was writing the mind of God to His children, as an earthly father speaks to his son. The primary purpose of the book is to teach multifaceted wisdom for living, reaching not only the young and inexperienced but also the learned. May the Lord open our understanding as we study this book afresh this month in Jesus' name.

Chapter 1 –The Benefit of Proverbs, the Enticement of Sinners, &the Warning of Wisdom
The Benefit of Proverbs: Proverbs 1 has three broad themes, starting with the usefulness of Proverbs. For instance, verse 4 states, “To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” This implies that though wisdom can be acquired through experience, young people can, by listening to the wise and heeding their instructions, gain wisdom that would otherwise take time to acquire. This saves time and enables them to achieve desired results. Some life lessons do not necessarily need to be learned through personal experience; we can leverage the lessons from others to lead effective, productive, and kingdom-focused lives. As the Bible says in Romans 15:4: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

The Enticement of Sinners (Proverbs 1:8–19): Righteous (not merely moral) living is uncommon, which makes it easier for believers to be enticed (verse 10). As sons of God, we must resolve not to consent. The embellishment of "gain" is a common tool for enticement, leading to manipulations such as falsification of records, murder (including character assassination), and other forms of wrongdoing to maximize profit. Many fall victim to Ponzi schemes, which promise gains that seem too good to be true, and greed for gain can ultimately lead to loss of life (verse 19). Enticement (temptation) will come; however, it is not sinful to be tempted—yielding to temptation is the sin.

Wisdom Warns (Proverbs 1:20–33): The tone changes here as Wisdom speaks in the first person, extending a loud and open invitation. Despite her efforts, she receives no response. She warns of a time of reckoning when she will be sought but unavailable, saying, “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…” (verses 26–28). However, she promises, “Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil” (verse 33). Wisdom personified is Jesus. It is eternally dangerous to reject Him, as He is always calling and not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The key point is to heed God’s instructions diligently, ensuring He is our ally as we step into the new year.

Chapter 2 – The Pursuit of Wisdom
Having understood the benefits of wisdom and the dangers of rejecting it, this chapter reveals the extent we must go to pursue wisdom. For example, verse 4 encourages us to seek wisdom as silver and search for her as hidden treasure. It further emphasizes that the Lord is the giver of wisdom (verse 6), meaning we must seek Him, the custodian. As 1 Chronicles 28:9c says, “…If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” God hides Himself to be found by intentional and diligent seekers, for He is “a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.”(Heb. 11:6). Wisdom is one of the rewards of diligent seeking and delivers its recipients from evil ways (verse 12), crooked paths (verse 15), and strange women (verse 16).

Chapter 3 – The Blessings (Rewards) of Wisdom
This chapter highlights nuggets for living, such as “bind mercy and truth around your neck” (verse 3) to obtain favor from God and men; “trust in the Lord and lean not on your understanding” (verses 5–6); and “despise not correction from the Lord” (verses 11–12). Each principle carries individual benefits. The chapter shows that wisdom attracts blessings such as longevity (verses 2, 16), favor with God and men (verse 4), internal and external peace (verse 17), love and grace (verse 22), and protection (verse 23). Verse 35 sums up the benefit of living by godly wisdom: “The wise shall inherit glory.”

Chapter 4 – The Father’s Instruction
This chapter begins with a father’s admonishment to obey his commandments, as blessings are tied to obedience. This parallels other conditional blessings in Scripture, such as Deuteronomy 28:1–13 and Isaiah 1:19: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” The chapter also emphasizes guarding one’s heart diligently, as it is the source of life’s issues (verses 20–23). Actions stem from the heart, and the sum of these actions determines life’s outcome. Therefore, we must guard our hearts carefully.

Chapters 5 & 7 - Warning Against Strange Women
Both chapters focus on the danger of adultery and the importance of marital fidelity. The father to his son describes the cunningness of a “strange woman” who through sweet mouth (5:3; 7:1-8) and warns that transactions with her will ultimately lead to destruction. “Let not thine heart decline to her ways; go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” (vs 25-27). For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life (6:26). The Father subsequently encourages young men to be satisfied and faithful to the wife of their youth, avoiding by all means the walking on the path with a strange woman. Similarly, we should beware of strange gods, messages, doctrines, and counsel, as they can deplete our faith and strength in God.

Chapter 6 – Parental Counsel.
It provides more nuggets for various aspects of life, including financial responsibility, work ethics, and relationships. For instance, it encourages diligence and hard work following the example of ants, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the future and avoiding laziness (6:6-11). Another important aspect can be found in vs 16-20, which highlights the seven abominations that the Lord hates - A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (vs 16-19). May we not be involved in what the Almighty hates.

Chapters 8 & 9 –Wisdom Calls for Hearing and Wisdom's Invitation.
Both chapters contrast between wisdom and folly, both personified as a woman. Proverbs 8 – 9:12 portrays a feast prepared by wisdom and her effort in inviting people to her banquet, especially the simple (young and inexperienced). Accepting her invitation yields longevity. On the other hand, folly similarly prepares her banquet and sends out an invitation targeting the simple with a catchphrase “stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is sweet” (vs 17). But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell (vs 18).

Chapter 10 –Contrast of the Righteous and the Wicked.
The chapter contrasts the lifestyle and outcomes of the wise and foolish. Overall, wisdom is portrayed as a source of blessing; prosperity and protection while foolishness lead to destruction and adversity (vs 8, 21). It also emphasizes the importance of speaking wisely and truthfully as opposed to gossip and spreading lies (vs 13, 18-21). It also encourages hard work and diligence as conditions for success and abundance (vs 4,22). May the Lord help us to be doers of His word in Jesus' name.

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