A FRIEND
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 18-19
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
David Citadel is part of the walls that surround Jerusalem. It is located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defences, the citadel that stands today has ancient foundations which were constructed during the 2nd century BC. It was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt by, in succession, the Roman, Byzantine, Muslim, Mamluk, and Ottoman occupiers of Jerusalem. It contains important archaeological finds dating back 2,700 years. The Proverbs we are reading predate these efforts in stone and are devoted to building wisdom, rather than buildings which can be destroyed.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 18:21a, 19:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
…There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel — that will stand.
Other verses in these chapters could and should be key to finding and exercising wisdom. For example, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). We can all think of a person or persons who are our true friends. Let’s call them today, and let’s call that greatest Friend of all in prayer! Speak life, not death! Bless others with our words! Never underestimate the power of the tongue for good or evil. James, the one known as the brother of Jesus, wrote on this. If he was writing today, he may have been a blogger! Read James 3:1-12 for healthy medicine, the main ingredient of which is wisdom.
For a commentary on our second key verse (19:21), let’s go to James again (James 4:13-15). Just imagine that James is your blogger today.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Thank You Lord Jesus for being my Friend that sticks closer than a brother. Help me, I pray, to be Your true friend! There is a hymn, Father God, that I’m reminded of. It’s called “Friendship With Jesus.” Yesterday, Lord, I meditated on the hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus!” Today, I ask myself the question, “Am I a genuine friend of Jesus?” I pray for Your grace to be Your true friend. For this request, Lord God, I do as the Proverb in today’s reading says, I run into the “strong tower” of Your Name! (Proverbs 18:10). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I want to explain why I always use the New King James Version in my blog. It is because it’s one of several reliable modern translations from the original languages of the Bible, Hebrew and Greek. The NKJV in particular maintains the beauty of the 1611 translation in my opinion. The King James Version was first published at a time when the English language was at its best, as revealed in Shakespeare’s plays when thousands of ordinary, relatively uneducated people would stand for hours to watch and listen to magnificent words. Spoken languages are living organisms, and it is important to reflect the changing meanings of words. The Bible on which I was raised was an updated translation done in the mid-nineteenth century. For example, the word “prevent” meant “come before” back then. Now it means “to stop someone.” The new translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:15 translates the word as “precede” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
In the 1970’s, a man I consider my true friend, Sam Moore, owner of Thomas Nelson Publishers (the sixth largest publisher in the world and the largest publisher of Christian books), decided to give the King James Version a fresh face (this has happened approximately every 150 years), and the result is the NKJV. The late Dr. R.K. Harrison, a professor at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, was often my guest on television. He was a member of the review committee for the NKJV and would share updates on the progress of the translation. Sam Moore himself appeared several times on 100 Huntley Street. Here’s a link to learn more about this amazing man, Sam Moore (click here). Over the next few days I want to continue to share more about this great translation effort. (Ron will attempt to put links on the blog for Sam’s appearances on 100 Huntley Street starting tomorrow).
Yours in honour of true friendships,
David
Hebrews 4:2 (NLT) “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Proverbs are powerful. God has a way of connecting with His children through His Word. This is where the rubber hits the road, the crossroads as it were; a place where our heart intersects with God’s thoughts and wisdom and changes us forever!
Right on, Scott!!
Amen Scott;)
Amen Scott! 😀
Thankyou, thankyou, David and family for this wonderful blog! Your prayer is my
hearts’ desire…Lord Jesus , may I be a true friend of yours, may I be faithful to You
in all circumstances, may I be one You can count on, as You live Your life in me.
It is You, Lord…my desire is to honor You, the only Lord and King! Hallelujah!!
We plan to read Proverbs through with family on Christmas day. (Sounds unusual, doesn’t it)? Anyway I think of it as a GIFT.
Great idea, Doreen! It would be good (and fun) to hear, “that’s true!” “that’s so true!” “what do you think about this one?” And so on …
Terrific plan ?
Reading all Proverbs may be a bit too ambitious, but certainly a favorite chapter or two ?
For the month of Dec. I plan to read one chapter a day and study it. Which I believe is the perfect plan for me!
We all read different bibles I find it easier for me to read from The New Living Translation I’m doing my best to read yours everyday. I guess it helps to read
different ones but not to many at one time.
Thank you David and your family for this blog
Lianne Hogg
John 15:13
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one
John 15:13 (NKJV) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
“HAPPY THANKSGIVING U.S.A.!”
That is a great question, “Am I a true friend of Jesus?” I am going to meditate on that one and all its implications. Thank you for your insights and information today, David and fellow bloggers.
Thanks for the question David M. – ‘Am I a genuine friend of Jesus?’
He is MY best friend…..I can only pray that my life will show that I am a genuine friend to Him.
I have noticed that the language of the Bible has layers of meaning. The example of interpreting “prevent” to mean “precede” is only one example. The fact that the Bible has been translated into so many languages and yet maintains this depth shows the power of God. I believe this also explains some slightly differing translations of the early latin translations and greek. For example, the angel’s blessing to mankind when talking of the Holy Conception of Jesus. I think this was meant to mean both things. While the arguing about words is warned against as trivial, the depth of the Word is not. Prevent or precede: colloquial and a thoughtful reading helps to understand it. Some statements in proverbs are a bit harder to handle as only a matter of language. For example, the servant should not rule over the prince. Comparing to what Jesus says, it takes some thought and help from God. Again, thought helps and a sincere seeking. In the deepest way, Jesus is the prince. However, In a worldly way, most of us do not think the birth of a worldly prince is a promise of wisdom. Yet,, as Proverbs says, a prince who is a fool is an abomination. Also, though there have been many foolish leaders and princes, we should not despise authority without good reason.
The Name of the Lord is a strong and mighty tower, the righteous run into it and are safe…how wonderful is that?
Thank you Jesus for your Name!!!