(Sat) PS[1], Psalm 15

SAT (10:04 am) Hello, wishing all well! Thought I"d add a Psalm Select, of a psalm many have come to love, Psalm 15 of David.

(Fri) Added PC[3], Pro12:19-23.

FRI (9:58 am) Hello, wishing all well! Added Proverbs Commentary, PC[3], chapter 12, verses 19-23.

(Thu) (4) Ps119[2] Stanza 6B Commentary; Also, (6) MLH[1], Golden Rule.

THU (10 am) Hello, wishing all well! Added (4) Ps119[2] Stanza 6B Commentary, verses 45-48 and (6) MLH[1], Golden Rule.

(Wed) Added PC[2], Pro12:13-18; Also (5) EE[1], Finding Gems. Now Updated.

WED (9:30; 10:01,21 am) Hello, wishing all well! I've added the Proverbs Commentary, PC[2], Proverbs 12:13-18. Also added (5) Eternal Express, EE[1], Finding Gems. Now Updated.

(Tue) Upcoming (4) Ps119 Commentary addition--Now (4) Ps119[1], Stanza 6A Commentary.

TUE (9:44; 10:04,19 am) Hello, wishing all well! Not necc. due to recent early delays, but with consideration of upcoming early schedules and typical viewing times, I'm moving the time for the Mon-Sat blogpost to 10 am. As has been typical in the past until recently, the aim will be having ready information/instruction available.

Now (4) Ps119[1] Stanza 6A Commentary, despite earlier technical difficulty.

(Mon) Now Pro12:8-12. Updated v.9.

MON (9:33,44,53; 10:17,19 am) Hello, wishing all well! Very near posting (3) Proverbs 12 Commentary, PC[1], verses 8-12. Posted. Updated v.9.

SUN (11:05 pm) Hello! Please review this week the podcast Win-it Minute series episodes 199/200 to 255. The 04's to the 05's provide the week's summary and the Apply, with additional notes going forward, to benefit. It may be that the 04's could be near the first quarter or bottom of the hour, and the 05's near the third quarter or the top of the hour, each day for the six weeks/days, with possibly additional review on the sixth or actually the seventh day of the week, Saturday.

I realize that order is good for some people, not so much others. In this case, feel free to run the 04's near the top, and 05's near the bottom.

_____(1) Weekly Golden Apples

_____(2) Psalm Select

Psalm 15, a song of David, outlines essentials to the course of an upright person. Despite it's simplicity, it in no way negates our need to consider God's word, but rather helps to guide our aims regarding our examination of it.

Psalm 15:

_____(3) Proverbs Commentary

Proverbs 12:8-12:

"8 A man is praised for the discretion of his mouth, But one with a twisted heart will be treated with contempt. 9 Better to be lightly esteemed and have a servant Than to glorify oneself and have no food. 10 The upright one takes care of his domestic animals, But even the mercy of the crooked is cruel. 11 The one who cultivates his land will be satisfied with food, But the one pursuing unworthy things is lacking good sense. 12 The crooked man envies what other evil men have caught, But the root of the upright bears fruit."

Prove 12:8 Discretion involves using good judgment in our speech or conduct, reasoning on matters to show foresight and speak or act accordingly. One using such discretion will typically be viewed favorably by others. This is contrasted with one having a twisted, or perverted, corrupt heart, which will result in having disfavor in the eyes of others.

"9 Better to be lightly esteemed and have a servant Than to glorify oneself and have no food."

Prove 12:9 This reveals the vanity of seeking one's own glory, which will not result in God's blessing, possibly not even His assisting hand of provision for necessities as food. Jesus/Jo-shua' was well aware of such vanity, as he set an example in refusing to seek his own glory. We should keep in mind, here, that this one taught, by word and example, that God was the One to worship. Jesus is God's spokesman, and now represents Him, serving AzGod. While representing God Jehovoe, he still wants his Father to eventually receive such praise, or glory. For instance, once he healed a man acting violently, who was evidently possessed by thousands of demons at one time. The man wanted to tell others about his newfound freedom. Who did Jesus/Jo-shua' want him to praise for this saving act? He is told: “Go home to your relatives, and report to them all the things Jehovoe has done for you and the mercy he has shown you.” (Mark 5:19).

"10 The upright one takes care of his domestic animals, But even the mercy of the crooked is cruel."

Prove 12:10 Evidently crooked, or corrupt ones may mistreat their own domestic animals, or show cruelty to people even when claiming to be merciful. Since verse 8 shows that one with perverted conduct will be viewed unfavorably by many, he needs to turn around from such to lastingly receive blessings from God and right-hearted men.

"11 The one who cultivates his land will be satisfied with food, But the one pursuing unworthy things is lacking good sense."

Prove 12:11 A person or adult tending toward foolish behavior (less appropriate than for children) does not have his priorities in order, and often gives almost exclusive attention to things, even knowledge, that contributes little to spirituality, and a godly, successful life. One acting with godly wisdom, however, while properly enjoying the life God has given us, will also learn and do things that will enable him to provide for himself and his family, or family-to-be, both in matters of the spirit as well as materially. Ecclesiastes 7:12 says, for instance: "For wisdom is a protection just as money is a protection, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner."

"12 The crooked man envies what other evil men have caught, But the root of the upright bears fruit."

Prove 12:12 Envy and Jealousy have caused great distress to humanity. It is the Tenth commandment that says: “You must not desire your fellow man’s house. You must not desire your fellow man’s wife nor his slave man nor his slave girl nor his bull nor his donkey nor anything that belongs to your fellow man.” (Exodu 20:17). Notice this commandment involves the very desires of our heart, not the act of stealing which is outlawed in the eighth commandment. God can read our thoughts and heart, so may we learn to please Him, being happy at the good things others acquire, and trust God for His help to find the things we really want or need, in line with His will.

Proverbs 12:13-18:

"13 The practicer of evil is ensnared by his own sinful speech, But the honest one escapes from distress. 14 From the fruitage of his speech a man is satisfied with good, And the work of his hands will reward him. 15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice. 16 A fool immediately shows his annoyance, But the prudent man overlooks an insult. 17 The one who testifies faithfully will tell the truth, But a false witness speaks deceit. 18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing"

Prove 12:13 The practicer of evil has allowed his heart to be corrupted, or perverted. Thus his speech is also corrupt, or sinful, as he places priority on badness, disregarding God's right and happifying standards. Such a person is not truly happy, regardless of how he or she may appear on the outside. And the speech of such a person gets him in trouble in various ways, as ridicule, reviling, and negative talk are likely commonplace. The honest and upright one, on the other hand, often "escapes distress" by speech that is wholesome, upbuilding, and, when appropriate, lovingly corrective of mistakes.

"14 From the fruitage of his speech a man is satisfied with good, And the work of his hands will reward him."

Prove 12:14 Continuing with the speech of an honest or upright one, his speech rewards him with good things, for instance commendation approved by God for his efforts to build up others, and 'rescue them with knowledge.' (Prove 11:9). Also "the work of his hands" rewards him, perhaps also with commendation. It is such efforts for which young ones should be commended, however not for simply having knowledge of something--rather, for using that knowledge skillfully to assist others in some kind or beneficial way. One study showed that young ones commended for their knowledge logically were not motivated to work for others, but became lazy and potentially prideful. Those commended for their efforts instead showed more diligence in their activity. May we be generous with kind commendation to encourage our youth in the practice of good toward others.

"15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice."

Prove 12:15 The foolish one tends to be prideful, arrogant, and believing in his own ideas perhaps more than even God's. He is often moved by such arrogance to act without foresighted prudence, not seeing ahead at the troubles caused by making mistakes. Not humbly willing to acknowledge his own error, he may continue on a path leading to trouble, or turmoil. To help, we should all seek wisdom rather than foolishness, be or become truly honest, and admit we could make mistakes, but learning from them. It is far better, however, to avoid mistakes and their consequences. Still, Psalm 130:3 says about Jehovoe: "If errors were what you watch, O Joe, Then who, O Jehovoe, could stand?" The wise one is humble, eager to listen to others, and willing to accept advice. This helps him to 'ponder each step,' being more careful what he believes and how he proceeds to act in life. (Prove 14:15). 

"16 A fool immediately shows his annoyance, But the prudent man overlooks an insult."

Prove 12:16 Further underscoring the lack of prudence in a foolish one, he quickly reveals his annoyance, lacking self-control, not really listening and considering other opinions, and without giving thought to how it may impact others, being insensitive to their feelings. The foresighted prudent one, however, "overlooks an insult," with empathetic insight to readily forgive others for occasional slights. God sets the example as one who is "good and ready to forgive." (Psalm 86:5). Such mercy allows a conversation to carry on toward its intended purpose, rather than needlessly being interrupted. How fine when a conversation permits a considerate exchange of ideas, when ones are able to restate in their own words an idea that was just heard from another, and be free to state an honest response to it, continuing where appropriate.

"17 The one who testifies faithfully will tell the truth, But a false witness speaks deceit. 18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing"

Prove 12:17-18 One "testifying faithfully" may be under pressure to compromise, to accept a bribe, but refuses to do so. A false witness, however, has not integrity, and gives in to such pressure, whether for money, out of fear, or for some other seeming benefit. We should trust Jehovoe God as our refuge and shelter, to speak the truth in matters of law, with integrity to Him, upholding true justice. Jehovoe sets the example for us to imitate, as "a God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he." (Deute 32:4). May those who've not yet learned to act with such integrity 'turn to doing good,' and receive an exaltation by God for their repentant and renewed spirit.

Proverbs 12:19-23:

"19 Truthful lips will endure forever, But a lying tongue will last for only a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief, But those who promote peace have joy. 21 No harm will befall the upright one, But the crooked will have their fill of calamity. 22 Lying lips are detestable to Jehovoe, But those acting faithfully bring pleasure to him. 23 A prudent man conceals what he knows, But the heart of the fool blurts out his foolishness."

Prove 12:19 God just doesn't lie, and doesn't want us to either. Of course, in harmony with God's word, there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak," meaning we don't have to tell everybody everything. (Eccle 3:7). Not everyone has a right to hear the truth, or all the facts, especially if they will do harm with the knowledge. We may thus keep silent or change the subject in such a situation, as Jesus/Jehosha did so as to carry out the will of God when with Pilate (John 19:9-11). Still, Jehovoe hates a lie, Proverbs 6:16-19 detailing 7 things Jehovoe hates, among them a "lying tongue" and a "false witness who lies with every breath." Even a lifetime of such lying, 70-100 years or so, is "only a moment" when compared to the millions upon millions of years Jehovoe wants humanity to enjoy in truthful living forever. So let us put our trust in God that we may be honest and open with those deserving of the truth, including God himself in our honest prayers.

"20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot mischief, But those who promote peace have joy."

Prove 12:20 Those 'plotting mischief' are not promoting true peace, based on sincerity, seeking the welfare of others rather than their harm. Such mischievous ones carry deceit in their hearts, meaning they likely haven't pondered the benefits of living by God's right standards, so as to affect their real conduct. They may know what's right, but they are not moved to practice it, allowing selfish desires to lead them astray. Those promoting peace, however, have joy. They are learning the way of true happiness by learning to live peacefully and in accord with God's righteousness. As James 3:18 explains, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace."

"21 No harm will befall the upright one, But the crooked will have their fill of calamity."

Prove 12:21 No lasting harm will come to the upright, even if some good people do suffer problems in the time we're now living. Upright ones are not guaranteed a problem-free life in the midst of unwholesome influences. Psalm 34:19 says "Many are the hardships of the upright one, but Jehovoe rescues him from them all." Corrupt or crooked ones, however, typically have many more problems, lacking God's blessing and the benefits of living by right standards. There are great spiritual and physical benefits from living the way of genuine truth, peace, and love--God's way. This is why God warns us against wrongdoing in the first place, because He loves us, wants to be happy and avoid the troubles, grief, pain and stain of sin. Thus, those ignoring God's standards "will have their fill of calamity," which could end up in death without heartfelt repentance and turning around (Acts 3:19).

"22 Lying lips are detestable to Jehovoe, But those acting faithfully bring pleasure to him."

Prove 12:22 In contrast to lying, persons acting faithfully are true, honest, sincere. They are faithful to God by adhering to His ways, and faithful to others by helping them do the same, to remain on the path of eternal life. Such ones are consistent in obeying God, just as the moon is called a "faithful witness in the skies," consistently maintaining it's place and function in God's purpose (Psalm 89:37).

"23 A prudent man conceals what he knows, But the heart of the fool blurts out his foolishness."

Prove 12:23 It is not always wise to reveal everything one knows to others--there may be undesirable consequences. Again, some may do harm with the knowledge we have, so depending on who we're speaking with, there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak." (Eccle 3:7). We do want to help right-hearted ones, however, to embrace the genuine truth of God, and perhaps move others to mend their ways, finding true happiness. A "fool" however, who disregards a father's discipline, is "right in his own eyes," and loaded with foolishness, which he is eager to 'blurt out," without self-control.