2020 Feb 14 Proverbs 5, Psalm 119 Preview 4
2020 Feb 14 Proverbs 5, Psalm 119 Preview 4
UPDATE: "Renamed the S1-11 Review 4 as Review 7, so that Reviews 4-6 can match Previews 4-6." 2020 Feb 14 Welcome, wishing you a pleasant day in God’s favor! Let’s conclude Proverbs 5 with verses 21-23, then continue with the Preview of Psalm 119 stanzas 12-15.
“21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; He examines all his paths. 22 The wicked one is ensnared by his own errors, And he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin. 23 He will die for lack of discipline And go astray because of his excessive foolishness.”
“21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; He examines all his
paths."
Prove 5:21 Clearly, Jehovah can see what a man has done, and what is truly in his mind and heart. But does Jehovah use this ability to try to find fault with or condemn mankind? Or, like a loving father toward his children, does He not prefer to rejoice in those seeking to practice good, being lovingly willing to offer correction to those seeking His help in prayer? Certainly, God recognizes that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Still, as John 3:17 clarifies: “17 For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him.” Mankind has been given the gift of free will, and God wants us to use our freedom to please Him, hating what He reveals is bad for us. Who knows better than God what way of life will make us truly and lastingly happy and satisfied? Who knows better than God what ways will bring us harm, grief, trouble, and problems, not only to ourselves but to others as well? Does Jehovah take delight in those causing such grief to themselves and others? How we need God’s help and word to guide and correct our steps! It is up to us to use our freedom to seek His direction in our life. Proverbs 15:29 says “29 Jehovah is far away from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
"22 The wicked one is ensnared by his own errors, And he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin."
Prove 5:22 Notice that it is not necessarily God himself that is bringing troubles on those sinning, but it is often their own errors that cause them trouble, which Jehovah lovingly wants to warn us against. Such errors ensnare a wicked one. God understands the troubles caused by “sin,” which means “missing the mark,” as an arrow might miss it’s target. Some arrows, like errors or sins, might miss the target completely, whereas others may not be as far from center. How terrible if an arrow is so far off target that it seriously wounds another human! We need God’s wise and wonderful word to make sin clear to us, following Jesus’ commands and teachings to avoid hurting others and please God more fully.
"23 He will die for lack of discipline And go astray because of his excessive foolishness.”
Prove 5:23 Such ones may have lacked the loving discipline, or guidance, that a parent should freely offer their children. Parents should aim to lovingly instruct and guide their children, not merely punish them for every conceivable violation of rules. Even before Jesus set an example in patiently instructing his disciples, God had given Israel guidance in this. Deuteronomy 11:18-19, for instance, says to parents: “18 You must impress these words of mine on your heart and your soul and bind them as a reminder on your hand, and they should be like a headband on your forehead. 19 Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” Parents, have we let ourselves become too busy to follow God’s instructions here through Moses? Let’s minimize some of the distractions that may be getting in the way of such beneficial communication. We might benefit from an honest publication sharing Jesus’ teachings for young people, or we might find age-appropriate material from Proverbs 1-10 and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5-7, along with stories from other Bible books like Genesis, for starters. Try to relate the real-life stories of the Bible with enthusiasm, and with emphasis on the vital lessons to be learned, showing how to apply it and benefit day to day.
Jesus made good use of illustrations and stories to teach such important lessons—may we share these freely with our children, helping them understand the way of true Christianity.
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PSALM 119 PREVIEW STANZAS 12-15
* Indicates Review Text, ** Indicates Also Final Review Text
STANZA 12 Theme: GOD’S WORD AND LAW PRESERVE SPIRITUAL AND ETERNAL LIFE.
These verses emphasize God’s faithfulness as well as fondness for God’s law and
it’s preservation value. What can help us not to forget God’s orders, as the
psalmist mentioned was his determination?
*89 Forever, O Jehovah, Your word will remain in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness is through all generations. You have firmly established
the earth, so that it continues to stand.
91 By your judgments they remain until today, For they are all your servants.
*92 If I had not been fond of your law, I would have perished in my affliction.
*93 I will never forget your orders, Because by them you have preserved me
alive.
**94 I belong to you; save me, Because I have searched for your orders.
95 The wicked wait to destroy me, But I give close attention to your reminders.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, But your commandment has no limit.
STANZA 13 Theme: KEEP GOD'S WORD.
What are three aspects of divine wisdom, and how are they beneficial? Why was
the psalmist motivated to avoid evil, and how does obeying God deepen our
wisdom?
**97 How I do love your law! I ponder
over it all day long.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, Because it is with me
forever.
**99 I have more insight than all my teachers, Because I ponder over your
reminders.
*100 I act with more understanding than older men, Because I observe your
orders.
*101 I refuse to walk on any evil path, So that I may keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your judgments, For you have instructed me.
103 How sweet your sayings are to my palate, More so than honey to my mouth!
104 By your orders I act with understanding. That is why I hate every false
path.
STANZA 14 Theme: GOD CAN PRESERVE US
THROUGH TIMES OF PERIL, WHILE HIS REMINDERS BRING JOY.
Like the psalmist, we may come to view God’s reminders with great joy. How does
God’s word serve as a lamp and a light, how has God proven to be a Savior?
*105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.
106 I have sworn an oath, and I will carry it out, To observe your righteous
judgments.
107 I have been greatly afflicted. O Jehovah, preserve me alive according to
your word.
108 Please take pleasure in my voluntary offerings of praise, O Jehovah, And
teach me your judgments.
**109 My life is in constant danger, But I have not forgotten your law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, But I have not strayed from your orders.
**111 I take your reminders as my permanent possession, For they are the joy of
my heart.
112 I have resolved to obey your [instructions] At all times, down
to the last.
STANZA 15 Theme: REMAIN ON THE RIGHT
SIDE OF GOD’S JUDGMENTS.
What determination by the psalmist to lovingly obey God! How can we avoid
half-heartedness, and how does a proper motive aid us to keep God’s law?
*113 I hate the halfhearted ones, But
I love your law.
114 You are my shelter and my shield, For your word is my hope.
115 Stay away from me, you evil men, So that I may observe the commandments of
my God.
116 Support me as you promised, So that I may keep living; Do not let my hope
turn into disappointment.
117 Support me that I may be saved; Then I will always concentrate on your [instructions].
**118 You reject all those who stray from your [instructions], For
they are false and deceitful.
*119 You discard all the wicked of the earth as if they were worthless dross.
That is why I love your reminders.
120 The dread of you makes my body tremble; I am in fear of your judgments.


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