A SWINE’S SNOUT
Today’s 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 God’s standard.
(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! The leading of the Holy Spirit, the support of God’s people, and decisions made 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
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Thank You, Father for Your great wisdom. Thank You also for wanting, desiring, even giving the Best for us. Please give all Your people great wisdom, courage, and integrity to live for You. Bless and send out Your workers today, Lord, and use them for good wherever You put them, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen Rob!
Lord, we acknowledge that we need Your wisdom in order to live right. Help us to use discretion in our dealings with others especially those that we are trying to minister to. May we indeed be wise by “winning souls”, as recorded in Your Word.
We turn to you for help for we cannot do anything without you.
Thank you for your goodness and faithfulness.
How does God define success? His measure is very different from the world’s measure, and it can be summed up in one sentence: Success in God’s eyes is faithfulness to his calling. Paul was a failure in the world’s eyes—but not to God. Even Jesus was a failure as far as most people were concerned, but “he was faithful to the one who appointed him” [Hebrews 3:2 NIV]—and that is all that mattered.
Thought this quote was so special by Billy Graham. Blessings on all dear saints this snowy day in wc Alberta and beyond.
A very happy milestone birthday to Beverlee Kay!
We all miss you on this blog and we wish you a very blessed birthday 🎂
Pray always for the peace of Jerusalem (and the peace,prosperity and protection of ALL of Israel).Amen
Inspired by his famous prayer:
Lay Some Soul Upon My Heart
Ch:
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart
And love that soul thro’ me;
And may I always do my part
To win that soul for Thee. (Ira D. Sankey)
Oh,Lord,may Your love fill my heart
And wisdom be my guide,
That you will tear my doubts apart
And be close to my side.
Lord,give me the words to convey
The love You have for all,
That they might share from day to day
So more will hear your call.
Lord,teach me and they to forget
That all have lived with sin,
For only then,with true regret
Can repentance begin.
GW(Bill)Marshall/22Nov,2017
Lord I pray light up all of these daily bloggers to shine like shinning stars. And send the people to all of us that you want to receive the life saving godpel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus name I pray amen.
Amen Dale. May we all seek Wisdom in these very challenging times. Happy birthday Beverlee! Blessings all.
In agreement with all the Bloggers thoughts and prayers. May those who read also know their tremendous value. Prayers for all to celebrate this “final exam” well., with discretion and wisdom and Love.
Amen to the prayers and birthday greetings to Beverlee Kay. We do miss your wisdom and counsel