Daily Bible Verse - 2/8/2008 - Proverbs 31:10

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

Proverbs 31:10

Commentary

This poem (Proverbs 31:10-31) is part of the instruction that King Lemuel's mother gave to teach her son about wisdom (31:1). In describing the "virtuous wife," Lemuel's mother was showing what wisdom looks like when it is lived out in everyday life.

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Pr 31:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

While the scene here (Proverbs 31:10-31) is of a wealthy home and the customs of the ancient Near East, the principles apply to every family. They are set forth as the prayer of every mother for the future wife of her son, and literarily arranged with each of the 22 verses beginning with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in consecutive order.

Who can find? She does exist, but is very hard to find.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 31:10). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - 2/7/2008 - Romans 5:10

For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Romans 5:10

Commentary
When we were God's enemies, Christ was able by His death to reconcile us to God. Certainly now that we are God's children, the Savior can keep us by His living power.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 5:10). Nashville: Word Pub.

Reconciliation
The process by which God and people are brought together again. The Bible teaches that they are alienated from one another because of God's holiness and human sinfulness. Although God loves the sinner (Rom. 5:8), it is impossible for Him not to judge sin (Heb. 10:27). Therefore, in biblical reconciliation, both parties are affected. Through the sacrifice of Christ, people's sins are atoned for and God's wrath is appeased. Thus, a relationship of hostility and alienation is changed into one of peace and fellowship.
The initiative in reconciliation was taken by God-while we were still sinners and "enemies," Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8, 10; Col. 1:21). Reconciliation is thus God's own completed act, something that takes place before human actions such as confession, repentance, and restitution. God Himself "has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 5:18).

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.