Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your wealth

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;

Proverbs 3:9

Commentary

A biblical view of possessions demands using them for honoring God. This is accomplished by trusting God (v. 5); by giving the first and best to God ("firstfruits"; cf. Ex. 22:29; 23:19; Deut. 18:4); by being fair (vv. 27, 28); by giving generously (11:25); and by expressing gratitude for all He gives (Deut. 6:9-11). The result of such faithfulness to honor Him is prosperity and satisfaction.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 3:9). Nashville: Word Pub.

FIRSTFRUITS - the firstborn of the flocks and the first vegetables and grains to be gathered at harvest time. The Hebrew people thought of these as belonging to God in a special sense. They were dedicated or presented to God on the day of the firstfruits, a part of the celebration of Pentecost (Num. 28:26; 2 Chr. 31:5).

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.

Matthew 9:20-22 - "Take heart, daughter," He said, "your faith has healed you."

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will get well." But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." At once the woman was made well.

Matthew 9:20-22

Commentary

For twelve years the woman in Matt. 9:20-22 had sought a cure for her condition. Perhaps worse than the drain on her physical strength and finances was the stigma of uncleanness. Jews considered women ritually unclean during menstruation, and whoever touched a menstruating woman was made unclean until evening. (Lev. 15:19-27). That meant exclusion from participating in the life and worship of the community.

Scripture is silent on the source of this woman's livelihood. Perhaps she lived off an inheritance, or perhaps she was divorced and her dowry had been returned to her. Whatever her means of support, it was gone. Jesus was her last hope. So she approached Him, breaking a rule that made it an unclean person's responsibility to keep away from others. In desperation, she reached out and touched Jesus. Jesus didn't withdraw. Rather He drew her to Him with the affectionate term "daughter" and sent her away in peace, healed at last.

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Mt 9:20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Matthew 5:14-16 - You are the light of the world

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Commentary

Jesus also calls Christians the light of the world. He spoke of Himself as "the light of the world" (John 8:12; 12:35, 36, 46). The relationship between these two statements is that Jesus is the source of light; Christians are the reflection of His light. Their function is to shine for Him just as the moon reflects the glory of the sun. The Christian is like a city that is set on a hill: it is elevated above its surroundings and it shines in the midst of darkness. Those whose lives exhibit the traits of Christ's teaching cannot be hidden.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 5:14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Matthew 5:13 - You are the salt of the earth

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

Matthew 5:13

Commentary

The primary value of salt was not as a flavoring but as a preservative. Disciples are to hinder the world's corruption. The salt deposits along the Dead Sea contain not just sodium chloride but a variety of other minerals as well. This salt can become good for nothing when the rain washes out its saltiness over the years.

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Mt 5:13). Nashville: T. Nelson.


Did you know?

Jews called the law the salt of the earth. Jesus claimed that His disciples exerted this influence.

The Open Bible : New King James Version. 1998, c1997. Includes indexes. (electronic ed.) (Mt 5:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Psalm 4:1 - Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1

Commentary

O God of my righteousness can also be translated "O my righteous God." The phrase has two meanings: (1) only God is righteous; and (2) all of a person's righteousness is found in Him alone. The psalmist is facing a very pressing need, but his confidence in God remains especially strong. He addresses God in terms of His character-His "righteousness." Then he speaks of God's earlier saving works in his life: You have relieved me in my distress.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 4:1). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Background

David wrote this psalm as he was about to retire for the night (v. 8). He could not do much about the war around him, but he could do something about the war within him. He did not want to lie in bed and worry, so he committed himself and his situation to the Lord.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Ps 4:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 27:21 - Man is tested by the praise he receives

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him.

Proverbs 27:21

Commentary

The way you respond to praise reveals your character, just as a jeweler's furnace reveals the nature of the precious metal (v. 21). Praise brought out the best in David but the worst in Saul (1 Sam. 18:1-16). What does it do to you?

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Pr 27:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Biblical humility

Biblical humility is also a recognition that by ourselves we are inadequate, without dignity and worthless. Yet, because we are created in God's image and because believers are in Christ, we have infinite worth and dignity (1 Cor. 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). True humility does not produce pride but gratitude. Since God is both our Creator and Redeemer, our existence and righteousness depend on Him (John 15:5; Acts 17:28; Eph. 2:8-10).

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.

Proverbs 27:2 - Let another praise you, and not your own mouth

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2

Commentary

Another form of pride is self-praise. It is far wiser to let another issue your praise.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Pr 27:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"Praise is a comely garment; and though we may desire to wear it, it is always better if others place the garment upon us."

KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (1246). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 66:1-2 - Shout with joy to God, all the earth!

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.

Psalm 66:1-2

Commentary

As in Psalm 100:1, the call is not only for the people of Israel, but for peoples of all the earth to join in the praise of the living God, the Most High (Pss. 87; 96; 117).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 66:1-2). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Revelation 15:4 - Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name?

Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.

Revelation 15:4

Commentary

Considering God's great works and character, every person should fear the Lord and glorify His name by trusting Jesus Christ. All nations is the same phrase found in Matt. 28:19 and Luke 24:47, expressing the scope of the Great Commission, Jesus' command to proclaim Good News to all nations.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Re 15:3-4). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Proverbs 8:10-11 - Choose My instruction instead of silver

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Take my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold. For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

Proverbs 8:10-11

Commentary

The value of Wisdom's instruction is incomparable. It is to be desired above silver, choice gold, rubies, or anything else that men prize highly.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 8:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Wisdom in Proverbs 8

The Origin of Wisdom:

• Comes from God Himself (8:22).
• Is from everlasting (8:23).
• Has existed from the beginning (8:23-30).

The Results of Wisdom:

• Prudence (8:5, 12).
• Understanding (8:5).
• Excellent things (8:6).
• Truth (8:7).
• Hatred of wickedness (8:7).
• Righteousness (8:8).
• Knowledge (8:12).
  
• Discretion (8:12).
• Fear of the Lord (8:13).
  

The Value of Wisdom:

• Yields riches and honor (8:11, 18).
• Is greater than rubies, gold, or silver (8:10-11, 19).
• Blesses the wise (8:32, 34).
• Gives life to the wise (8:35).
  

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c19

Colossians 2:9-10 - Christ is the head over every power and authority

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

Colossians 2:9-10

Commentary

Paul illustrates the adequacy of Christ by demonstrating how the Colossian believers are complete. In Christ, the Colossians have put off the power of sin and the flesh (v. 11), have received new life (vv. 12, 13), have been forgiven, have been delivered from requirements laid down by human traditions (v. 14), and have been freed from the powers of spirit beings (v. 15). There is nothing that the Christian needs to add to what was received in Christ at the time of conversion. Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ in order to refute the Gnostics and the Judaizers who respectively believed that special knowledge or works were necessary to make a Christian complete.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Col 2:10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

In Greek philosophical thought, matter was evil; spirit was good. Thus, it was unthinkable that God would ever take on a human body. Paul refutes that false teaching by stressing the reality of Christ's incarnation. Jesus was not only fully God, but fully human as well.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Col 2:9). Nashville: Word Pub.

Philippians 2:9-11 - God gave Him the name that is above every name

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

Commentary

The entire intelligent universe is called to worship Jesus Christ as Lord (cf. Ps. 2). This mandate includes the angels in heaven (Rev. 4:2-9), the spirits of the redeemed (Rev. 4:10, 11), obedient believers on earth (Rom. 10:9), the disobedient rebels on earth (2 Thess. 1:7-9), demons and lost humanity in hell (1 Pet. 3:18-22). The Gr. word for "confess" means "to acknowledge," "affirm," or "agree" which is what everyone will eventually do in response to Christ's lordship, willingly and blessedly or unwillingly and painfully.

Gr. Greek MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Php 2:10). Nashville: Word Pub.

Bowing of the Knee

The bowing of every knee will be no mere genuflection but an expression of total submission (v. 10). "Jesus Christ is Lord" includes three names (Phil. 2:11): Jesus, His earthly name (Acts 2:22); Christ, His messianic title or intercessory name (Acts 2:31); and Lord, His glorious eternal title (Acts 2:36; Rev. 17:14).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Php 2:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 117:1 - Praise the LORD, all you nations

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples!

Psalm 117:1

Commentary

This psalm has the dual distinction of being both the shortest chapter in the Bible and also the middle chapter of the Bible. It is an invitation to people of every nation to praise the Lord.

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Ps 117:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Paul quoted this verse (Psalm 117:1) in Rom. 15:11 to make the point that from the very beginning of time God has pursued a worldwide redemptive purpose (cf. Rom. 15:7-13).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ps 117:1). Nashville: Word Pub.

Proverbs 17:3 - The LORD tests the heart

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

Proverbs 17:3

Commentary

A refining pot (or crucible) is a vessel used in the production of silver (Prov. 17:3; 27:21) and to refine is to separate pure metal from the impurities in the ore in the smelting process.

God can do what no crucible or furnace can do. They can test silve rand gold but the Lord can test the human heart. In the process of testing, He removes the dross and purifies the life until He sees His own image reflected.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 17:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Commentary

In order to truly come to Jesus, a person must admit that he is burdened with the weight of sin. Only those who acknowledge they are lost can be saved. The object of faith is not a church, a creed, or a clergyman, but the living Christ. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is preceded by repentance toward God.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 11:28). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Yoke

The yoke was a double harness in which two animals pulled together. Often, one harness was larger and meant for the stronger, more experienced animal, while the smaller was used for the animal being trained. The yoke of Jesus clearly implies that even though individuals are free from the Law, they are not to make their own rules. Rather, they are to be harnessed to Him, living life His way.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Mt 11:28). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Commentary

A distance race that requires endurance, persistence, and sustained effort-not a short sprint. The writer compared the Christian life to a long-distance race. The runners-believers-find themselves surrounded by a great "cloud of witnesses," or the heroes of faithfulness. These witnesses are not heavenly spectators who observe the conduct of Christians, but those who have given testimony by their examples (see Heb. 11). Christians can run the race of life well only by laying aside any impediment that hinders one from putting forward his best effort. "Sin," especially that of "unbelief," also forms a crippling hindrance to good running.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Heb 12:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. .

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Run in such a way as to get the prize

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Commentary

The Christian life is like a race. It requires self-discipline. It calls for strenuous effort. It demands definiteness of purpose. The verse does not, however, suggest that in the Christian race only one can win the prize. It simply teaches that we should all run as winners. We should all practice the same kind of self-denial that the Apostle Paul himself practiced. Here, of course, the prize is not salvation, but a reward for faithful service. Salvation is nowhere stated to be the result of our faithfulness in running the race. Salvation is the free gift of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Co 9:24). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

The Greeks enjoyed two great athletic events, the Olympic games and the Isthmian games, and because the Isthmian events were held in Corinth, believers there were quite familiar with this analogy of running to win.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Co 9:24). Nashville: Word Pub.