Daily Bible Verse - 10/31/2007 - James 2:19

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

James 2:19

Commentary

demons believe. Even fallen angels affirm the oneness of God and tremble at its implications. Demons are essentially orthodox in their doctrine (cf. Matt. 8:29,30; Mark 5:7; Luke 4:41; Acts 19:15). But orthodox doctrine by itself is no proof of saving faith. They know the truth about God, Christ, and the Spirit, but hate it and them.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 2:19). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?
Mark 1:24 records that as Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, a demon-possessed man stood and cried out, "What do we have to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!" Mark 3:11 says that "whenever the unclean spirits beheld Him, they would fall down before Him and cry out, saying, 'You are the Son of God.' " One demon inside a man possessed by legions of unclean spirits called out, "What do I have to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" (Mark 5:7).

MacArthur, J., F. (1997, c1988). The Gospel according to Jesus : What does Jesus mean when he says "follow me". Includes index. (Electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Academic and Professional Books, Zondervan Pub. House.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/30/2007 - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Commentary

in Christ: Paul is presenting the results of Christ's death for the believer and the believer's death with Him (v. 14). Because believers are united with Jesus both in His death and resurrection, they participate in the new creation. That is, they receive the benefits of being restored by Christ to what God had originally created them to be (Gen. 1:26; 1 Cor. 15:45-49).
All thingshave become new: A believer's life should change, because he or she is being transformed into the likeness of Christ (3:18). Instead of living for oneself, a believer lives for Christ (v. 15). Instead of evaluating others with the values of the world, a believer looks at this world through the eyes of faith (v. 16).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (2 Co 5:17). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?
Moral reform is a frustrating and ultimately impossible task.Moralism aims at an unattainable goal: the improvement of society without any transformation of people's souls. The leopard cannot change his spots. Sinners cannot reform themselves. And therefore society as a whole cannot be truly reformed unless people are made new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

MacArthur, J. (2002). Can God bless America? : The Biblical pathway to blessing (87). Nashville: W Pub. Group.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/29/2007 - Ecclesiastes 12:13

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Commentary

Solomon's final word on the issues raised in this book, as well as life itself, focus on one's relationship to God. All of the concern for a life under the sun, with its pleasures and uncertainties, was behind Solomon. Such things seemed comparatively irrelevant to him as he faced the end of his life. But death, in spite of the focused attention he had given to it in Ecclesiastes, was not the greatest equalizer. Judgment/retribution is the real equalizer as Solomon saw it, for God will bring every person's every act to judgment. Unbelievers will stand at the Great White Throne judgment (cf. Rev. 20:11-15) and believers before Christ at the Bema judgment (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:9, 10). When all is said and done, the certainty and finality of retribution give life the meaning for which David's oft-times foolish son had been searching. Whatever may be one's portion in life, accountability to the God, whose ways are often mysterious, is both eternal and irrevocable.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ec 12:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?
The name of the book (Ecclesiastes) comes from the word the writer uses to describe himself: Teacher or Assembly Leader. In Greek, this word is ekklesiastes.

Miller, S. M., & Gross, P. (1998). How to get into the Bible. Includes index. (164). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/28/2007 - Colossians 1:6

that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.

Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;

Colossians 1:6

Commentary

The gospel was never intended for an exclusive group of people; it is good news for the whole world (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:8, 14, 16; 1 Thess. 1:8). It transcends all ethnic, geographic, cultural, and political boundaries.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Col 1:6). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?
In nature, a plant does not usually bear fruit and increase at the same time. Many times, it has to be pruned in order to bear fruit, for if it is allowed to grow wild, the result is that all the life of the plant goes into leaves and branches rather than into fruit. But the gospel does both at the same time. It bears fruit in the salvation of souls and in the upbuilding of the saints, and it also spreads from city to city and from nation to nation.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Col 1:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/27/2007 - John 6:40

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:40

Commentary

6:40 everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him. This verse emphasizes human responsibility in salvation. Although God is sovereign, He works through faith, so that a man must believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God who alone offers the only way of salvation (cf. 14:6). However, even faith is a gift of God (Rom. 12:3; Eph. 2:8, 9). Intellectually harmonizing the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man is impossible humanly, but perfectly resolved in the infinite mind of God.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jn 6:40). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?

Jesus means "Yahweh is salvation"

Richards, L. (1999). Every man in the Bible (156). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/26/2007 - 2 Peter 1:5-6

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

2 Peter 1:5-6

Commentary

add to your faith. "Add" is to give lavishly and generously. In Greek culture, the word was used for a choirmaster who was responsible for supplying everything that was needed for his choir. The word never meant to equip sparingly, but to supply lavishly for a noble performance. God has given us faith and all the graces necessary for godliness (vv. 3,4). We add to those by our diligent devotion to personal righteousness.
virtue. First in Peter's list of moral excellencies is a word that, in classical Gr., meant the God-given ability to perform heroic deeds. It also came to mean that quality of life which made someone stand out as excellent. It never meant cloistered virtue, or virtue of attitude, but virtue which is demonstrated in life. Peter is here writing of moral energy, the power that performs deeds of excellence.
knowledge. This means understanding, correct insight, truth properly comprehended and applied. This virtue involves a diligent study and pursuit of truth in the Word of God.

self-control. Lit. "holding oneself in." In Peter's day, self-control was used of athletes who were to be self-restrained and self-disciplined. Thus, a Christian is to control the flesh, the passions, and the bodily desires, rather than allowing himself to be controlled by them (cf. 1 Cor. 9:27; Gal. 5:23). Virtue, guided by knowledge, disciplines desire and makes it the servant, not the master, of one's life.
perseverance. That is, patience or endurance in doing what is right, never giving in to temptation or trial. Perseverance is that spiritual staying power that will die before it gives in. It is the virtue which can endure, not simply with resignation, but with a vibrant hope.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (2 Pe 1:5). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/25/2007 - Proverbs 14:29

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:29

Commentary

The development of a slow fuse is a not a mark of lethargy, but of wisdom. Fools fly off the handle easily and confirm their folly.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Pr 14:29). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Foolish
In the Bible, the most foolish person of all is one who denies the reality of God the Father: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God' " (Ps. 14:1; 53:1). Like the Book of Proverbs, where "fool" denotes a person who is morally and spiritually deficient, Jesus contrasted wise and foolish persons. Persons who keep His sayings are wise; those who do not are foolish (Matt. 7:24-27). The use of the word "fool" in Matthew 5:22 is a special case. Jesus warned against using the word fool as a form of abuse. This word expressed hatred in one's heart toward others; therefore, Jesus condemned the use of the word in this way.

Paul called the preaching of the crucified Christ "foolishness" in the eyes of unbelievers. For believers, however, the message of the cross is the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:23-24).

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/24/2007 - Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Colossians 3:12

Commentary

In verse 10, Paul said that we have put on the new man. Now he gives some practical ways in which this can be done in our everyday lives.
First of all, he addresses the Colossians as the elect of God. This refers to the fact that they had been chosen by God in Christ before the foundation of the world. God's electing grace is one of the mysteries of divine revelation. We believe the Scripture clearly teaches that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen men to belong to Christ. We do not believe that God has ever chosen anyone to be damned. Such a teaching is directly contrary to Scripture. Just as we believe in God's electing grace, we also believe in man's responsibility. God does not save men against their will. The same Bible that says "elect according to the foreknowledge of God" also says "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Col 3:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/23/2007 - 1 John 1:6-7

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (NIV)

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (KJV)

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NASB)

1 John 1:6-7

Commentary
If we say: The first false claim is to have fellowship with God while failing to reflect His moral character. Walk refers to a way of life or daily practice. To walk in darkness means to live contrary to the moral character of God, to live a sinful life. To claim fellowship with God without living a moral life or practicing the truth is to live a lie, since God cannot compromise His holiness to accommodate sin.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Jn 1:6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Light
The New Testament presents Jesus as the personification of light or divine illumination: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Jesus plainly stated that those who rejected this divine light would bring judgment upon themselves (John 3:19-21). Jesus and the New Testament writers extended the figure of light to include faithful Christian witnesses, who were called "children of light" (Eph. 5:8).

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/23/2007 - 1 John 1:6-7

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (NIV)

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (KJV)

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NASB)

1 John 1:6-7

Commentary
If we say: The first false claim is to have fellowship with God while failing to reflect His moral character. Walk refers to a way of life or daily practice. To walk in darkness means to live contrary to the moral character of God, to live a sinful life. To claim fellowship with God without living a moral life or practicing the truth is to live a lie, since God cannot compromise His holiness to accommodate sin.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Jn 1:6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Light
The New Testament presents Jesus as the personification of light or divine illumination: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Jesus plainly stated that those who rejected this divine light would bring judgment upon themselves (John 3:19-21). Jesus and the New Testament writers extended the figure of light to include faithful Christian witnesses, who were called "children of light" (Eph. 5:8).

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/22/2007 - 1 John 2:6

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (NIV)

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (KJV)

the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (NASB)

1 John 2:6

Commentary
Therefore, whoever says he abides in Him should walk just as the Lord Jesus walked. His life, as set forth in the Gospels, is our pattern and guide. It is not a life which we can live in our own strength or energy, but is only possible in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to turn our lives over to Him unreservedly, and allow Him to live His life in and through us.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Jn 2:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Ought..to walk Slaves must follow the commands of their masters or they will be punished. Employees need to do their work to keep their jobs. However, the Christian as a child of God ought to obey God because of a sincere desire to do so. It should be a joy to follow in the footsteps of the One who died for us.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Jn 2:6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/21/2007 - Proverbs 25:20

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. (NIV)

As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. (KJV)

Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart. (NASB)

Proverbs 25:20

Commentary
Pouring vinegar on an alkali (e.g., baking soda) produces a reaction like boiling or turning tranquility into agitation. So is the effect of singing joyful songs without sympathy to the sorrowful. Cf. Ps. 137:3, 4.


MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 25:20). Nashville: Word Pub.

Illustration
Keith Weston told of a fellow minister who was making his first hospital visit. "He found a poor patient with both legs strung up to pulleys, both arms in plaster, and an intravenous in one of them. And he said with his big evangelical smile and taking out his big evangelical Bible, 'Brother, are you rejoicing?'" Weston said, "The minister never told me what the patient said, but it wasn't very polite."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 25:20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/20/2007 - Isaiah 49:13

Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.


Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth!
Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains!
For the LORD has comforted His people
And will have compassion on His afflicted.

Isaiah 49:13

Commentary
There are times when you wonder if God really cares about you (v. 14), but He assures you that you are not forgotten. You are His beloved child (v. 15; Ps. 27:10), and He will never forget your name (v. 16). He will gather His family and bring them home (vv. 19-23).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Is 49:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
The musical heritage of the Psalms is demonstrated by its title. It comes from a Greek word that means "a song sung to the accompaniment of a musical instrument."

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/19/2007 - Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Commentary

The Lord is near: When the Scriptures speak of God being near, it is to comfort the believer with a sense of His care.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 34:17-19). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Contrite- the kind of spirit, or heart, pleasing and acceptable to God (Ps. 34:18; crushed, NRSV, NIV, REB, NASB; Ps. 51:17). People who have a contrite spirit weep over wrongdoing and express genuine sorrow for their sins (see also Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 2 Cor. 7:10).

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/18/2007 - Psalm 43:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 43:5

Commentary

Why are you cast down: These words are the refrain of this and the previous psalm (42:5, 11). In time of doubt and stress, the poet urges his inner being, by the power of God, to keep believing. He knows that one day, by God's grace, he will return to the place of praise to God, the center of worship in Jerusalem.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 43:5). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/17/2007 - Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Commentary

4:12 two-edged sword. While the Word of God is comforting and nourishing to those who believe, it is a tool of judgment and execution for those who have not committed themselves to Jesus Christ. Some of the Hebrews were merely going through the motions of belonging to Christ. Intellectually, they were at least partly persuaded, but inside they were not committed to Him. God's Word would expose their shallow beliefs and even their false intentions (cf. 1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Pet. 4:5).
division of soul and spirit. These terms do not describe two separate entities (any more than "thoughts and intents" do) but are used as one might say "heart and soul" to express fullness (cf. Luke 10:27; Acts 4:32; see note on 1 Thess. 5:23). Elsewhere these two terms are used interchangeably to describe man's immaterial self, his eternal inner person.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Heb 4:12). Nashville: Word Pub.

Marrow - the soft tissue inside the hollow cavities of bones. The Bible uses the word marrow figuratively. "Moist marrow" means good health and physical comfort (Job 21:24). To eat marrow refers to eating the choicest of foods (Is. 25:6). To fear the Lord and depart from evil is marrow (refreshment, medicine, strength) to one's bones (Prov. 3:8). The word of God divides the "joints and marrow" (Heb. 4:12), symbolizing the power of the Bible to penetrate to the inner depths of a person's thoughts and motives.

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/16/2007 - Proverbs 30:5

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Proverbs 30:5

Commentary

Agur now turns from the revelation of God in nature to His revelation in the Word. He asserts the infallibility of the sacred Scriptures-"every word of God is pure." Then he speaks of the security of all who trust in the God of the Bible-"He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 30:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you Know?
Even though Solomon wrote most of the Proverbs, the book was not compiled until the time of King Hezekiah, whose scribes "copied out" the sayings of Solomon (Prov. 25:1). We do not know the identity of "Agur the son of Jakeh" and the mother of "King Lemuel," who wrote latter portions of the book (Prov. 30-31).

Packer, J., Tenney, M. C., & White, W. (1997, c1995). Nelson's illustrated manners and customs of the Bible (578). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/15/2007 - Hosea 14:9

Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

Hosea 14:9

Commentary

The Prophet Hosea closes his prophecy by emphasizing that wisdom and prudence lie in obedience to the ways of the Lord.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ho 14:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you Know?
Hosea marks a new stage in Hebrew prophecy because he is one of the first prophets to put his prophecies into writing. His book is placed at the beginning of the scroll of the twelve prophets, which the Jews have designated "The Twelve." They are sometimes called the Minor Prophets, "minor" referring to their brevity rather than their importance.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ho 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/14/2007 - Psalm 9:1

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.

Psalm 9:1

Commentary
The sweet singer of Israel (David) is ecstatic over all God's marvelous works. Here he is not thinking so much of His deeds in creation or redemption but of His spectacular feats in crushing the nation's foes. David gives all the glory to God-none to himself and none to man's weapons or skill. With every fiber of his being he honors and magnifies the name of the Most High. The example of his love and devotion to the Lord makes many of us realize how cold and unresponsive we often are.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ps 9:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Did you now?
However nations might justify and judge their actions, the ultimate Judge of their conduct is God. His righteousness, which flows from His very character, is the final standard against which right and wrong is measured (Ps. 9:4). This righteous Judge rebuked the nations of David's day for failing to do what David had done in Psalm 8-acknowledge God (8:1, 9).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 9:3-5). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 10/13/2007 - Jude 1:22-23

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.

Jude 1:22-23

Commentary
Although Jude deplored and condemned false teachers, he recommended an attitude of compassion toward those who were swayed by their message. Some required gentle correction; others, however, would need to be pulled "out of the fire" forcefully (v. 23). Jude used the image of soiled clothes as a metaphor for sin (see Zech. 3:3, 4; Rev. 3:4). He said that Christians ought to hate "even the garment defiled by the flesh" (Jude 23). Jude wanted his readers to avoid all contamination by sin, hating sin as much as they would loathe soiled undergarments. To treat sin as normal and commonplace is a temptation. However, Jude identified this attitude as a betrayal of the gospel. Christians have been "clothed" in righteousness. Therefore, they ought to be repulsed by their old, filthy "garments" of sin.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Jud 22). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"hating even the garment defiled by the flesh"
In the OT the clothing of a leper was contaminated and had to be burned (Lev. 13:47-52). So in dealing with people who have become defiled, we must be careful to avoid anything which might prove a temptation in our own lives.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jud 23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.