A SWINE’S SNOUT

Suggested Reading: Proverbs 11

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Modern day Izmir, Turkey, is a major port on the Aegean Sea, off of the Mediterranean. The remains of Smyrna can be seen here. Jesus said about the church in Smyrna, "I know your works, tribulation and poverty, but you are rich!" (Revelation 2:9a). Jesus may have been thinking of the words in today's reading, our key verses! (Proverbs 11:24-25).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 11:24-25

There is one who scatters, yet increases more;

And there is one who withholds more than is right,

But it leads to poverty.

The generous soul will be made rich,

And he who waters will also be watered himself.

It’s difficult to pick some of the wisdom contained here when all of these words are of equal importance. Nevertheless, let’s consider four proverbs.

(1) Verse #1 – God is concerned about the butcher who weighs out meat with a thumb on the scale. “A just weight” is the basis of all commerce!

(2) Verse #14 – Do we want to make good and safe major decisions? Then don’t just take the advice of one person. Listen to several people. One person may or may not be trying to manipulate you into doing what they want, and not what is best.

(3) Verse #22 – “A swine’s snout” is so descriptive, particularly for Solomon, a Jew. Pigs are not kosher. “Discretion” is covered in our blog of November 17 (click here).

(4) Verse #30b – It is a wise thing to win souls to the Lord! But be assured that without wisdom in our approach, our body language, and our words, we’ll do more harm than good to the eternal souls of people, all of whom are of infinite value. Therefore, it would be good to read from James 1:5-8. Let’s go ahead and ask God for wisdom, and then win souls!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Father God, there is much wisdom in the chorus which I pray now: “Lord lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me. And may I ever do my part to win that soul to Thee.” In and through the Person and work of Jesus, I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

In leading the ministry of Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. for many years, I have valued highly the counsel of our Board of Directors and CCCI Executives. When I think of major decisions I’ve made, I must expand that to include others in the decision-making process, as Solomon wrote, “a multitude of counsellors.” That would include many of my fellow employees and many supporters in prayer and in the giving of financial offerings. Also, thinking of “a lovely woman,” I want to thank my wife Norma-Jean, whose counsel has been wise, prayerful and loving. She has consistently shown “discretion.” My children and their spouses have given wise counsel. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Everyone who has had input into my life!!! When I think of decisions made that have brought CCCI to what it is today, I invite readers to check out the Crossroads website (click here).

Yours for reading the responses of a “Multitude of Counsellors” to this blog!!!

David

P.S. Here’s another picture of some of our pilgrims here in Israel. We are now in Jerusalem, but yesterday we visited Beersheba, the home of Abraham. One of the wells here, perhaps dug by Abraham, is over 200 feet deep. Ron, my son and Crossroads “Spiritual Director” read to us all from Genesis 21:25-34. Pictured here, left to right, are Rita & Tony from Burlington, Ontario – Donald & Louise from Alfred, Ontario – Bena (our tour guide) from Tel Aviv, Israel – Judy & Dave from Calgary, Alberta – Bob & Erika from Hamilton, Ontario – Marilyn from Calgary, Alberta.