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Tips for beautiful skin

To stay well hydrated, you should drink at least eight (8) glasses of water over the course of the day, and not wait till you feel thirsty. —AFP

WEATHER conditions, use of medication, illnesses, unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits, and lack of proper skincare can cause our skin to become dehydrated; if we don’t do something about it fast enough, the unflattering consequences will be reflected on our skin such as wrinkles and dry, flaky skin.

Not only will our appearance suffer, but our health too, as dry skin can lead to ailments such as eczema and dermatitis.

Skin hydration is thus vital for healthier and younger-looking skin. To keep our skin in prime condition, we must first be aware of the common causes of skin dehydration:

Not drinking enough water

The body loses two to three litres of water daily from biological processes such as breathing, perspiring and urinating. With higher levels of physical activity, we can even lose up to two litres an hour.

To stay well hydrated, you should drink at least eight glasses of water over the course of the day, and not wait till you feel thirsty.

Water also helps the kidneys to flush out toxins from your body, and this has an impact on the general condition of your skin and health.

Not taking proper care of your skin

If the facial cleanser, washing lotion or body soap you are using leaves your skin feeling dry and taut, it’s best to chuck it.

Some cleaning products may contain ingredients such as alcohol, astringents and fragrances that are too harsh on your skin, and cause it to become dry and itchy. Your skincare routine matters as well. If you cleanse your face or bathe too many times a day, you will be stripping your skin of sebum – the layer of oil that helps to protect the skin, keep it supple and prevent moisture loss.

Not protecting the skin with sunscreen

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation results in wrinkles, skin discolouration and spots, causing premature ageing. UV rays harm the skin by penetrating into its deeper layers, damaging DNA, destroying collagen and depleting essential nutrients within them.

Besides choosing a sunscreen of a suitable SPF, we must also know how to use it correctly. Look for sunscreen offering broad-spectrum protection – that is, one that can block both UVA and UVB rays.

Smoking

Smoking harms the skin by inhibiting collagen production and constricting the blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Without collagen and oxygen, the skin develops wrinkles and takes on a leathery appearance.

The most telling signs of the damaging effects of smoking on the skin are wrinkles around the mouth, discoloured teeth and skin that is tighter than it should be.

Smokers who are able to kick the habit at an early age will have a better chance at stopping the damage done to the skin. — The Straits Times/asia News Network

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

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Hard work works! But the sluggard will not do it! He hates hard work and perseverance. They are painful to him. He loves to sleep; he wants to take today off. The diligent man, working hard each day, enjoys the prosperity and plenty the sluggard covets and misses.

Lazy people want stuff. They envy and resent the assets of workers. They have many excuses why others have more than they have (Pr 20:4; 22:13; 26:16). They will not put in the work to get things. Instead, they whine about discrimination, luck, favoritism, etc.

They covet much, but they cannot get their lazy backsides out of bed to get those things (Pr 6:6-11). They will not even unfold their arms to put food in their mouths (Pr 19:24; 26:15). Work frustrates them, and they cannot figure out simple means of getting ahead (Eccl 10:15). When success falls in their laps, they cannot get it in the bank (Pr 12:27).

They need a bigger house, but they turn down offered overtime. They want a nicer car, but it is more fun to play basketball than take that side job. They want a better marriage, but they are too tired to invest in their spouse. They are sick of the rebellious children of this generation, but they do not have the energy to train their own tonight. They want to know the Bible better, but the thought of thirty minutes of study overwhelms their minds.

A sluggard is a lazy person. A sluggard goes to bed late, uses the snooze button, sleeps in late, is grouchy until noon, complains about his job, dresses sloppily, arrives late, moves slowly, slouches, is often still with hands in pockets or arms folded, would rather talk than work, takes frequent breaks, complains about difficult tasks, stands around unless forced to action, never asks for the next assignment, looks for shortcuts, leaves early, makes fun of hard workers, and is always talking about his last or next vacation.

A diligent man is the opposite. He loves hard work and stays until the job is finished. He goes to bed early, jumps up early, smiles in the morning, is excited about his job, dresses neatly, arrives early, walks briskly, stands erect, is never still, hates small talk, always asks for the next assignment, does every job properly, stays late, ridicules sluggards, commends hard workers, asks for overtime, and considers vacations necessary evils.

Diligence works. The diligent man rises out of the swamp of losers to the top of the class (Pr 22:29). He becomes a ruler (Pr 12:24). He gets rich (Pr 10:4). He has many possessions (Pr 21:5). God and men reward the man who works hard; in a generation of lazy workers, the difference will be more visible and the distinguishing rewards greater.

How are sluggards cured? Starve them! A man’s desire to work rises as his belly button nears his backbone. Solomon knew this (Pr 16:26). Financial help is only right where acts of God make it justifiable, because sluggards should be punished (Pr 20:4; II Thess 3:10). Welfare creates sluggards; it does not cure or help them, for it rewards those hating work.

How are sluggards cured? Keep them away from “a business opportunity”! Sluggards dream and talk about fairy tales rather than plow the back forty – dreams keep them from real work. But farming, a dirty and boring job like many, is exactly how to have plenty (Pr 12:11; 14:23; 28:19). Every minute spent listening to “a super-fantastic business proposal” wastes precious time and keeps men from being productive. Go to the field and plow; you will be far ahead of the person dreaming and listening to business ideas.

Such a warning about slothfulness is not just Old Testament doctrine. The apostle Paul wrote, “Not slothful in business” (Rom 12:11). He also taught that working hard with your own hands in a good job would provide all you need (I Thess 4:11-12; Eph 4:28). And he taught like Solomon that starvation is the best cure for sluggards (II Thess 3:10).

Hard work is its own reward. Are these the words of a fool? Only fools think so. These words are from Solomon’s exhortation, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Eccl 9:10). A bad thing about dying is you have to stop working.

Diligence applies to your whole life. The diligent spouse, who works hard at keeping God’s marital commandments, will have a prosperous marriage. The diligent parent, who works hard at child training, will have happy and wise children. The Christian that diligently bears spiritual fruit will have total assurance of their eternal life (II Pet 1:5-11).

Ministers must work hard. It is a horrible shame when the ministry is referred to as one of the non-profit professions. The ministers of Jesus Christ, like the apostle Paul, should outwork every other profession (II Tim 2:3-4; I Tim 4:13-16). Part of the blame for the present famine of the word of God is due to lazy oxen (Amos 8:11-12; II Tim 2:15).

You have a great opportunity today. Work harder than anyone else at your place of employment. Are you a housewife? Work harder than any wife you know. You will obtain everything you need; you will be happy and content in the effort; and you will be a shining example of Christianity in this lazy and slothful generation.

Paul worked harder than any other apostle, and he knew it (I Cor 15:10). The blessed Lord had little time for leisure (Mark 6:31). The Lord will reward you (and so will men), and you will adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour beautifully (I Tim 6:1; Tit 2:9-10).

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

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A prosperous and long-lasting family and estate are built by wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. There are no shortcuts. There are no alternatives. The foolish and wicked may appear to be building great houses, but they are coming down soon. There is no cheating this rule. If you compromise wisdom, you will lose your family and estate.

Your “house” is not just the building you live in. It includes your posterity and inheritable assets. It includes your literal house, but do not dilute the lesson. Wisdom and understanding here are far more than creative blueprints (Pr 11:29; 14:1,11; 15:25,27).

It is possible to see the wicked with large and prosperous families, but their duration is short. Consider David’s observation, “Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found” (Ps 37:34-36).

Righteous men want to leave a godly and prosperous family in the world (Pr 5:16-18; Ps 127:3-5; 128:1-6; 144:12-15; Mal 2:15). They want to train children and grandchildren to perpetuate the truth of God in the earth (Deut 4:9-10; 6:4-9; Ps 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3).

Consider the house of Abraham in size and quality. The nation of Israel came from him, which he built and established by wisdom and understanding (Gen 12:1-3; 18:19; Neh 9:7-8). He feared God and lived by faith more than any man of his generation (Gal 3:9).

Consider the houses of Lot and Eli in duration and honor. Lot lost everything and polluted his own daughters (Gen 19:30-38). Eli’s family of priests was cut off and destroyed for the compromise of a sentimental and weak father (I Sam 2:27-36; 3:11-18).

Your family and estate will only prosper by wisdom and understanding, which is plainly found in Scripture. If you live by any other means, you are doomed to trouble, pain, and destruction. Humble yourself, and shore up your house with the Word of God. Today!

The house of God, the church, is built and established the same way, by wisdom and understanding. The foundation is laid in the Lord Jesus Christ, and every minister must build only with gold, silver, and precious stones. For the fire of his Lord’s examination will consume any wood, hay, and stubble. Let every doctrine and practice of every church be based only in the pure wisdom and understanding of Scripture (I Cor 3:11-15).

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How to stay youthful

HOW can some people remain youthful long after middle age? Why are some seniors able to hang out as equals, physically and mentally, with people who are in their 20s and 30s?

It isn’t a matter of age denial, it’s a technique of age prevention. Learning the basics of keeping ageing away boils down to some simple tips. Here are 10 tips that will help you stay more youthful:

1) As we age, we lose muscle mass. This also causes a loss in cardiac function, so your aerobic capacity goes down as well. A routine of physical activity, especially something that increases the heart rate and works up a sweat, will help slow down the loss of muscle mass.

2) A posture change is a common symptom of age; the torso bends forward. As we spend so much time sitting, muscles that support the upper body weaken, so we sag forward at the hips. Instead, concentrate on walking with your pelvis out and shoulders back. That will make you look and feel younger.

3) Restore range of motion. If you have to stand on tiptoe to reach something in a cupboard that used to be easier to grab, work on stretching upward to restore your ability to reach into that cupboard.

4) Keep a sense of humour. Many boomers stop laughing as they age. Continue to see the funny side of life to enjoy a good joke or a comedy. Don’t let the years make you too serious.

5) Stay away from fast food. Do your own cooking and enjoy the taste of homecooked food. Sit down and eat your meals rather than gulping them down so you’re not just putting calories in your body.

If you don’t have regular relaxed and nutritious meals, your hormonal system never gets to stabilise, so digestion becomes less than optimal.

6) Falls are one of the biggest causes of disability as we get older. Often, it’s because our balance has deteriorated. While physical activity helps maintain balance, you also can do regular balance-specific exercises, like standing on one leg, then the other; or closing your eyes and turning in a circle, trying to stop at the exact place you started.

7) Keep socialising. Being around people not only keeps your social skills sharp, it makes you better at communicating with others. Spending too much time alone, reading or watching TV, can become a habit that leads to isolation – which makes us grow older faster.

8) Stretch often. A lot of boomers don’t stretch, but it’s important for warding off a lot of issues, including muscle atrophy. Put together a 10-minute stretch routine and do it before going to bed.

9) Learn something new every few months. Sign up for a community college course or research a new subject. This forces your brain to make new pathways, maintaining or even increasing your mental sharpness.

10) Don’t buy into the myth that getting older makes you useless. That belief leads to depression. Do things that make others see that age is not a barrier to competence. Join a local committee.

Volunteer to help out at cultural or sporting events. Be visible, so that everyone knows you’re a valuable member of your community. – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

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Proverbs 7:26

For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

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What did Samson and Solomon have in common? They could not resist whorish women. Are men stronger than women? Yes, ordinarily. No, when the woman is an adulteress. Here is the wise Preacher’s warning about the danger of the strange woman – a woman other than your wife, especially a woman with a whorish heart (Pr 7:1-27).

Solomon, a wise father, soberly warned his son about the temptation and danger of a loose woman (Pr 7:1-5,24-27). After describing her seduction of a foolish young man in a lengthy parable (Pr 7:6-23), he summarized the grave danger of going near such a woman two ways – her power over men is great (Pr 7:26), and the results are fatal (Pr 7:26-27).

Adam and Eve taught a sober lesson in Eden (Gen 2:18-25; 3:1-6). Though Adam was made first and Eve was his helper, he could not resist her request to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:12). Satan’s lie to Eve did not deceive Adam, but he weakly submitted to his naked wife over God and His commandment (Gen 2:16-17; I Tim 2:14). And Satan has used women to seduce men ever since, whether married or not (Job 2:9; I Kgs 11:1-11).

By wise design, God made the woman’s body, flattering speech, physical contact, and eagerness for intimacy to powerfully attract men. Used properly in marriage, it results in the great pleasures of the Song of Solomon. Used outside marriage, only a few men can resist the powerful temptation. As the proverb declares, “Many strong men have been slain by her.” The only sure way to avoid adultery is to stay far from her (Pr 7:6-8,25).

Women have altered nations by seducing their leaders. Consider Cleopatra. This conniving adulteress stole Egypt’s throne and undermined Rome’s by seducing Julius Caesar, and then she destroyed the general Mark Antony by adultery as well. These men, renowned for courage, leadership, and strength, were soft putty in her lying embraces.

But there was Joseph, who resisted the repeated advances of Potiphar’s wife, to eventually rule Egypt, second only to Pharaoh (Gen 39:7-12). Though never having the strength of Samson or killing a giant like David, Joseph is a greater hero. And the Lord Jesus Christ, tempted in all points as any man, was without sin His entire life (Heb 4:15).

What will adultery cost? You will be wounded and slain! Delilah took Samson to an early grave of ignominy and shame. Bathsheba cost David enormously the rest of his life. And pagan women from other nations ruined Solomon’s life and dynasty. Adultery is not the exciting diversion the world claims; adultery is a painful hell and death (Pr 7:27).

How can men defeat the adulteress? They cannot go near her, because they do not have the strength to resist. They must avoid her altogether.

She has four wiles: looks, flattery, touch, and willingness. Reject pornography, coed swimming, and immodestly clothed women. Reject flirting, phoning, texting, or email liaisons. Reject dancing, embracing, or other physical contact with another woman. And never allow personal or intimate conversation or opportunity where her willingness for sin can be communicated.

Good wives grasp the power they have and use it to please their husbands and win peace in their marriages and homes (Song 8:6-7; I Cor 7:1-5). And they rejoice in the wonderful pleasure themselves (Song 1:1-2; 2:3-7; 3:4-5; 5:9-16; 8:1-4). They will use their looks, romantic words, physical caresses, and initiate lovemaking to promote romance at home to save their husbands from whorish women (Pr 5:19-20; I Cor 7:1-5; Heb 13:4).

There is another whore in the Bible. The great whore of Revelation 17, which is the false Church of Rome and the churches that came from her. She has also cast down many wounded, and many strong men have been destroyed by her false doctrine and abominable practices. The way to safety is the same – stay far away from her, and find a true church of Jesus Christ where you can meet, worship, and serve in apostolic purity.

Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

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A man’s eyes see a woman’s beauty in a second. Thus far there is no sin. But three sinful stages follow that are a prelude to adultery. The eyes linger and move to fascination with the details of her beauty, the heart moves from nobly admiring to hungrily desiring her, and the soul becomes willing to the invitation of her eyes. Here are the three steps to hell!

The depraved heart of man is polygamous. It is never content. The other woman is always more desirable, just as the forbidden fruit in Eden exceeded all others in appeal. The unknown is always presumed superior to the familiar. Fallen man is vulnerable to a beautiful woman, as the pleasure she embodies exceeds any other in this life. Therefore, wise men must rule their eyes and heart to resist her dangerous beauty and wiles.

Solomon and his wife wanted to save their son from adultery (Pr 6:20-35). Here he gives rules, consequences, and warnings to protect his son from this heinous and horrible sin. Wise men will consider these things day and night (Pr 6:21-23), lest they destroy their estate, reputation, and soul by succumbing to her beauty and sinful ways (Pr 6:24-35).

Sin follows a simple course. Every man has lusts. When those lusts are given an object and allowed to consider it, they will powerfully entice the man. The lusts plan the sin, and the man executes it. Then the sin brings painful consequences and eventual death. These are the real facts of life that every young man should be taught (James 1:13-16).

The appeal of an attractive woman is incredibly powerful. It destroyed the sons of God and brought the Flood (Gen 6:2), and it took David down in seconds (II Sam 11:2). No woman can fully understand the instantaneous draw a beautiful woman has on the soul of a man through his eyes. It is an overpowering object of desire, unless he is walking in the Spirit and ruling his spirit. So Christian women must dress modestly (I Tim 2:9-10).

Man! When you see a beautiful woman, and you will, do not let your heart obey your lusts to fantasize about how much you want her and how happy she could make you. You must not think on her details in your heart. It is acceptable to say, “That is a beautiful woman,” like when viewing a house, car, or garden. But it is unacceptable to think, “I love those curves, and without clothes, she would give pleasure I have never had before.”

The eyes are windows of the soul; they can sometimes express more than words can tell. Solomon knew of their power (Song 4:9). Immodest women paint their faces to accent their eyes, as did Jezebel (II Kgs 9:30). Wanton eyes are the tools of whores (Is 3:16). When a woman uses her eyes to flatter a man and offer herself intimately to him, the most discreet and powerful enticement a man will ever face, the trap is complete. So Christian women must maintain a look of shamefacedness and sobriety (I Tim 2:9-10).

What are the cures for her beauty and eyelids? Remember the three steps to hell, and provide a defense against each. There is much wisdom here. Solomon had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. Through wide experience, and exceptional understanding from God, he knew more about women and their dangers than you and your counselors.

First, avoid seeing a beautiful woman and moving to fascination with her by reducing your exposure to only the necessary. Take precautions against encountering beautiful women, especially acquaintances. This cure includes colleagues, neighbors, or church members. Jesus said you should be willing to cut off your right hand to avoid her (Matt 5:27-30; Rom 13:14). When you feel the rising heat due to a desirable woman, get away quickly while your visual impression is still noble admiration and virtuous appreciation.

Second, keep your heart with all diligence, so it will not recall the images of her beauty and cause you to play with them by fantasy (Pr 4:23). Fill your heart with wisdom, righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (Acts 14:25). Think about Jesus Christ, heaven, Scripture, and prayer (Phil 3:20; Col 3:2). Daily activities must include self-examination, repentance, and confession (Ps 139:23-24). Remind yourself of the terrible consequences of sexual sins (Pr 5:1-14). Renew the covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1).

Finally, to avoid her invitations, reject casual social interaction and eye-to-eye contact. The price is too high, the danger too great. Every man knows which women tempt him, and they cannot be his social companions or correspondents. And this warning includes both looks and conversations. Remember that phones and texts can also carry seduction.

The man who has excited his lusts to a feverish pitch with pornography, unhindered fantasies, or other lascivious practices will not stand a chance. His body and mind craves the first opportunity. The rules of this proverb are too late; the burning desire for sexual satisfaction turns even average women into objects of lustful desire (II Pet 2:14). If they are weak or wanton, he will go down as certainly as sheep go down to the slaughter.

Christian woman, be careful to cover your body well and limit casual conversation with men, especially if you are attractive. You will never understand the pain and trouble you cause by your physical presence and friendliness. Stay at home; love your husband; dress modestly, hide your eyes; talk to women; hold your children; be merciful and virtuous.

Christian man, do not be hasty to judge a good Christian woman as arrogant or rude, because her reservation in conversation, eye contact, friendliness, or body language may be precisely the modest conduct God requires (I Tim 2:9-10; Titus 2:3-5). Be thankful you have met such a virtuous queen and honor and protect her well as your twice sister.

The warning of the proverb also applies to the whorish Church of Rome and her harlot daughters (Rev 17:1-6). They seductively adorn their exteriors to attract men, while covering the deceit and fraud of their doctrine. They use their wiles to seduce the simple, without telling them of the hell to come. They appear attractive and are forward in their invitations, but they are the enemies of Christ. Come out of her, my people (Rev 18:4).

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To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

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God loves His sons, and Solomon loved his son. A great danger facing men is fornication and adultery, which is warned about often in Proverbs. Both God and Solomon warn against immoral women, who increase this sin among men (Pr 23:28). Learn the warning.

Let every father and son take heed, for here is a warning of great importance to the safety of your soul. Noble readers will let the wisdom and knowledge of Proverbs enter into their hearts and be pleasant unto their souls (Pr 2:10), for then discretion and understanding can save them from the strange woman (Pr 2:11). Avoid this sin.

What is a strange woman? She is any woman you have not married, so you have no right to any romantic or sexual pleasure with her. She does not belong to you. More specifically, she is a whorish woman, who entices men to commit fornication with her.

In the Bible, Jephthah’s brothers despised him as the son of a strange woman, for his mother was a prostitute (Judges 11:1-2). Their own mother was their father’s wife, but his mother a whore. Therefore, Jephthah was a bastard and not a full, legitimate son.

A strange woman is a stranger, for she belongs to another man. Christians are strangers in the earth, because this is not their home; their home is heaven. A strange woman is an evil woman straying from her home and seducing men other than her husband for sex.

You will meet with this warning again, as it is a great temptation for men, especially young men (Pr 6:24; 7:5). No man can play with this temptation, for many strong men have been slain by her (Pr 7:26). Samson was powerless before Delilah (Judges 16:4-21), so that he told her all his heart, even though he knew she was out to destroy him.

Determine in your heart beforehand to avoid this woman, for she is waiting to cause you to sin (Pr 23:26-28). She does not always seek wicked and profane men, for she may seek those with virtuous souls (Pr 6:26). So you can see Potiphar’s wife enticing noble Joseph, who firmly rejected her advances with a soul committed to God (Gen 39:7-12).

You could meet her today. Men work with wives of other men more than ever, and those women are sexually looser than ever. What can a man do? He must commit his soul to God in all sexual matters, and he must avoid forward or friendly women. The flattering attention of a woman is too powerful to allow, for it will lead to destruction (Pr 7:21-23).

Do not lust after a woman’s beauty or enjoy her eyes (Pr 6:25). Reject and flee from her words of praise and flattery (Pr 6:24). Do not think about her in your heart (Job 31:1). Stay away from her presence with great care (Pr 4:15). Flee youthful lusts (II Tim 2:22).

Flattery is kind and friendly speech to win your attention. It is not sincere and virtuous, for the intentions are not noble or righteous. A woman’s praise can overpower a man, so avoid it and disregard it (Pr 5:3; 7:21). Do not chat, call, text, or email such women, unless necessary, for she cannot flatter you, if you do not communicate with her.

Of course, she will not say her goal is sin. Instead she will praise you, commend herself, describe creative lovemaking and great affection, and say she wants to give you much love (Pr 7:13-18). Hate her words! Run from them! Reject them! She lies! Though she seems delightful and pleasant, her end is bitter and painful (Pr 2:18-19; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18).

Solomon wrote much of Proverbs to protect his son from strange women. Wisdom, knowledge, discretion, and understanding will keep you from her (Pr 2:10-11). Know and understand that God has condemned all adulterers and whoremongers (Heb 13:4), and the consequences of adultery are terrible and long lasting (Pr 6:26-35). It is a man’s wisdom and discretion to minimize social interaction with any woman but his own wife.

Godly women must learn to modestly cover their beauty, limit their eye contact, and curtail friendly speech with other men. If you do not, you kindle a fire that will destroy your own soul and home and those of others as well. If you truly love your neighbor, those people God puts in your path, you will protect them from adultery (Rom 13:8-10).

Dear reader, may God give you grace and strength to be faithful to Him and your spouse this day. Remember that Jesus Christ used the example of a strange woman with harlot daughters as the picture of the apostate Roman church, who left Him for pagan ritualism. You should be faithful to your earthly spouse and to your heavenly husband, Jesus Christ.

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Proverbs 7:11

(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

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Here are three traits of a whore, an adulteress. All wise women will diligently avoid these three traits, and all wise men will carefully avoid women having them. Here is wisdom buried in a lengthy description of a strange woman seducing and destroying a young man.

Chapter seven primarily consists of a dramatic parable about a young man being tempted and taken by a strange woman (Pr 7:6-23). Solomon, ever the wise father, used it to impress upon his son and children the dangers of this seductive enemy (Pr 7:1-5,24-27).

The whore is generally a loud woman. She likes to talk; she talks a lot; and she talks loudly (Pr 9:13). She is ready to give her opinion, whether it was asked for or not, even though she is usually ignorant of the subject matter. If she receives any resistance, she just gets louder. She often corrects others speaking for little details that are irrelevant.

She likes to finish the sentences of others. You can hear her loudly correcting her children and husband. Verbal sparring delights her. She is self-willed, headstrong, and wants to express her opinion. She is forward and uncouth with her mouth, irritating and rude with her words, and contrary in her speech. You have heard her before. Avoid her!

A godly woman, far superior to the best whore, has a meek and quiet spirit, which God Himself considers of great value (I Pet 3:3-4). She remembers her subordinate role; she is always gracious; kindness rules her mouth; and she does not mind being silent (Pr 11:16; 31:26; I Cor 14:34-35). She considers modesty and shamefacedness to be virtues (I Tim 2:9-10). When she speaks, they are words others appreciate (Pr 15:23; 24:26; 25:11).

Christian woman, can you cut your words and volume in half? Is it possible? Such a simple change will dramatically increase your esteem by good men and women. Your reputation will grow with each reduction in number of words and decibels (Pr 17:27-28). If you are already a very quiet woman, you should ignore the advice of this paragraph.

The whore is generally a stubborn woman. She does not like to be told what to do; she wants to do things her way; she resents being accountable to anyone; she hates correction and instruction. She is self-willed and loves her opinions. Whether authority or affection is used to win her, she will resist until the matter meets her own approval. She will use tears, threats, emotion, or other responses to resist leadership of her husband and others.

A virtuous woman, who is far superior to the best whore, is cheerfully submissive and very willing to follow the leadership of her husband (Eph 5:22-24; Col 3:18). She does not balk, question, or contend with her husband. She knows she was created for him, and she knows she is to reverence and fear him (I Cor 11:9; Eph 5:33; I Pet 3:1-2). She honors him and his office, and it is her delight to obey him and fulfill his desires.

Christian woman, do you know that stubbornness is a hateful trait in a woman? It truly makes her odious (Pr 30:21-23). A contentious woman makes married life miserable (Pr 12:4; 19:13; 21:9,19; 25:24; 27:15-16). Cheerfully obey without answering again, and you will see an improvement in how you are treated by husband, family, and others.

The whore generally does not like to stay at home (Pr 7:12). Domestic duties of serving a husband and children are boring, frustrating, and beneath her. She wants to be out and about in the city, attending this and that activity to the neglect of her high calling. She is bored being a housewife; she gets claustrophobic; she loves to shop; she loves to leave her house. She is not content working at home to make her house and family the best.

A noble woman, who is far superior to the best whore, loves her domestic calling and cheerfully remains at home to manage the house and provide for her man and his children (Pr 31:10-31; Gen 18:9; I Tim 5:13-14; Tit 2:4-5). She understands her very significant role in supporting her husband and caring for their children. Nursing a baby and preparing a meal for her family are delights to her soul, even if they include cleaning up the baby later and having a kitchen to clean after supper.

Christian woman, will you make greater efforts this very day to be quiet, submissive, and happy in your domestic duties? You can build your house – your family and estate – by wisdom in these areas (Pr 14:1). You can be great in the sight of God and men by rejecting the character traits of the strange woman. You can be more valuable than rubies.

Let every woman naming the name of Christ reject loudness, stubbornness, and dislike of home life. Choose rather to be a living example of a meek and quiet spirit, submission and reverence to your husband, and the domestic queen of Proverbs 31. You will rejoice in time to come, as God blesses your virtue with godly fruit and reward (Pr 31:25).

Let every man avoid and reject women having these three wicked traits. Such women do not deserve a place in human society, and they especially do not deserve a husband to support and secure their sinful lives. Young man, the choice is yours. But you will bear your own burden. Pursue gracious and virtuous women, and reject all other pretenders.

The great whore of Rome and her harlot daughters boast loudly, are stubborn for human tradition over Scripture, and long ago departed from simple apostolic Christianity. Let every church examine itself to make sure Rome has not infected her. And let every Christian depart out of her, lest you be taken in her sins and plagues (Rev 18:4).

As the true bride of Christ, each Christian, of either sex, owes their Lord and Husband their quiet submission and ready willingness to serve in His church. Every saint should submit quietly to his duties of service in the kingdom of God. Rather than being enamored with new doctrines and innovative practices, let God’s true children find their place listening well, obeying faithfully, and fulfilling their God-given role in the church.

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Proverbs 31:24

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

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Great women are ingenious and industrious. They are intelligent and diligent. They see business opportunities and leverage them for the benefit of the family estate. They fulfill domestic duties to husband and children first, but they have a mind and drive to do more.

A virtuous woman (a female person who plays a significant role (wife, mistress or girlfriend) – the great woman every wise man should marry – is an enterprising woman. She is not content with merely being a limited housewife. She knows she is capable of more, so she does more. The example here is a manufacturing and wholesale business in fine linen and girdles. This woman has an entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit that seeks profitable projects to support her husband and build the family income.

Leisure women, who like the easy life of a limited housewife and resent this proverb, need to remember that a mother gave the advice. This chapter of Proverbs has the words of King Lemuel, but they are the prophecy his mother taught him (Pr 31:1-2). This great mother gave her son godly wisdom on how to be a great king (Pr 31:3-9) and how to find a virtuous woman for marriage (Pr 31:10-31). Wise men and women will love the advice.

In all fairness, the virtuous woman did have servants (Pr 31:15). However, managing servants has its own burdens. But she did not have refrigerators, telephones, email, easy transportation, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, cheap capital, and a thousand other labor-saving devices, inventions, and sources of information. She was exceptionally diligent, disciplined, focused, and productive.

It is an error of Bible interpretation to believe a woman must be home all the time doing only domestic duties. Some require this even when children are in school, old enough to care for themselves, or married and gone! The “keepers at home” of Titus 2:5 condemns idleness, busybodies, and gossip, which a comparison with I Timothy 5:13-14 shows. It warns against the actions of a strange woman, who wanders wantonly in a city (Pr 7:11).

The Bible error, possibly the Victorian era, and other factors have caused some Christian women to be decorative, pampered, and unproductive objects at home. God never intended this! These women struggle to put boxes of cereal out for breakfast, run a couple loads of laundry through machines, and extort pizza out of their husbands for supper. What do they do all day? Little! The virtuous woman could do their day in an hour!

The virtuous woman is preeminently a diligent woman – extremely hard working for her husband and children. Fearing the Lord (Pr 31:30), this holy woman applies herself physically and mentally from early to late each day. She has no time for chatting on the phone, long emails, window-shopping, tea parties, Bible studies with televangelists, sitting for hours at soccer practice, playing tennis, checking prices at ten stores, sewing clothes that could be purchased, reading for pleasure, art lessons, or other wastes of time.

A woman with small children and no servants has little time for business, but that is true only for a few years of a woman’s life. If she is a good mother and trainer, even children of 7-10 can do many domestic duties. The heart of a great woman is motivated to do more as soon as possible. She does not pace herself, protect a leisure lifestyle, or become a soccer mom. She wants to outwork her husband and contribute financially, so she does!

The virtuous woman is creative, diligent, energetic, focused, intense, and most of all, productive. She gets a lot done every day! She does not lose or waste time. Her family is well cared for, but she does not stop there. She looks to the future and builds the estate. Men married to such women should give them part of their earnings, so they can plow it into greater earnings (Pr 31:16,31). Her husband is famous because of her (Pr 31:23,28).

Christian woman, here is the standard; here is the ideal – the virtuous woman. The lesson is simple: she takes on financial projects to add earnings to the family, whether it is a paid job or a small business. She is not content with the leisurely life of a housewife in an age of many conveniences. She finds opportunities to add income for the family, and she does not sacrifice the family pursuing them. She is the perfect woman. Study her! Copy her!

Christian wife, if your husband and children are well cared for, and you work a full-time job, you are already doing a great deal. There is little to no time for much else. You are to be commended for balancing such large responsibilities in two opposing directions. May God comfort you that you may have already met the standard of this proverb, and may He teach you the principle of mercy toward yourself (Matt 12:7; Pr 11:17).

Christian wife, if you are at home with young children, and resources and time will not allow much outside work, focus on what God does expect. Make sure you are the best companion and lover for your husband, keep an exceptional home, and diligently train godly character into your children, so they can help in the house and soon be great in their lives and endeavors. Be wise as things change to not miss an opportunity for more.

Christian man, here is the standard; here is the ideal – the virtuous woman. There are two inspired criteria that a king’s mother taught: a woman that will be a great wife fears the Lord (Pr 31:30), and she is exceptionally ambitious and diligent, well beyond domestic duties. Require these two traits, and you will have a jewel with value far above rubies (Pr 31:10). If men expected women like this, many marriages would be different and better.

Proverbs 31:24

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

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A virtuous woman – the great woman every wise man should marry – is an enterprising woman. She is not content with merely being a limited housewife. She knows she is capable of more, so she does more. The example here is a manufacturing and wholesale business in fine linen and girdles. This woman has an entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit that seeks profitable projects to support her husband and build the family income.

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Proverbs 25:24

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

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Loneliness is better than marriage to an odious woman. An arguing wife sucks the life out of a man’s soul and leaves him numb with pain or rage. There are few things men cannot bear and that destroy earthly peace; an odious woman is one. She acts civil when dating, but once the wedding is over, her poor victim wakes up in marital hell (Pr 30:21-23).

Solomon was a man, and he wrote as one to his son. He often warned about odious and whorish women. Both kinds destroy men. He observed odious women destroy men’s lives (Pr 11:22; 12:4; 14:1; 19:13; 21:9,19; 27:15-16). And he observed whorish women destroy men’s lives (Pr 2:16-19; 5:3-23; 6:24-35; 7:6-27; 9:13-18; 22:14; 23:27-28; Eccl 7:25-29). God used a queen mother to write about the perfect woman (Pr 31:1,10-31).

Solomon knew God had created the woman to help and please the man (Gen 2:18; I Cor 11:3,7-9). The calamity occurs when the creature ordained to comfort and encourage him becomes his worst enemy and nightmare – one he cannot escape, for she lives in his house, breaks his heart, consumes his living, confounds his soul, corrupts his children, and still expects to snore in his bed at night. Oh, to be single again, but it is too late!

What is the housetop in this proverb? Houses then had flat and useful roofs, which could be used for solitude, but which exposed a person to all types of weather. The sun could bake you, the wind torment, the rain soak, and the cold chill you. But huddled in a corner of such a housetop is a better living choice than being down below with an arguing woman, no matter how spacious and comfortable the living quarters might be.

What is a brawling woman? It is not a woman who boxes professionally, starts fistfights with neighbors, or attacks her husband with teeth, clubs, or knives. It is a nagging wife who cannot allow a matter to rest, cannot stop giving her opinions, cannot submit to her husband’s decisions, cannot stop questioning everything he does, cannot stop correcting irrelevant details when he speaks, and otherwise hounds him mercilessly.

When writing other proverbs about her, Solomon used angry (Pr 21:19), contentious (Pr 19:13; 21:19; 27:15), and continual dropping (Pr 19:13; 27:15) to describe her. This evil wife gets upset easily, argues and contests anything her husband says or does, and constantly nags. She talks a lot, talks loud, is opinionated, questions everything, corrects her husband and children, worries about details, argues quickly, gets defensive easily, remembers past offences, seldom apologizes, or self-righteously turns away when bested.

You have heard and seen this woman. You are surely related to one. Hopefully, she is a third cousin, rather than a wife, mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother. Her stench cannot be hid (Pr 27:15-16). No amount of beauty can cover her odor (Pr 11:22). The family knows she is odious and her husband is a victim of one of life’s greatest curses (Pr 30:21-23). God put her in your family to teach your sons what kind of women are to die single.

Unmarried man! Do not resent being single. It is far better than marriage to this irritating and obnoxious creature. Why are many men workaholics or obsessed with foolish hobbies? Because doing anything, anywhere is better than being at home with mama. Your loneliness is nothing compared to the pain of fifty years in marital hell. Rejoice! Your meals are peaceful, your wallet growing, your home quiet, and your bed pleasant.

Unmarried man! What can you do? Test any woman well before thinking about marriage. Your life depends on it. If you doubt this wisdom, spend a night on your rooftop, which is not as bad as a bad woman. Examine every prospect’s mother for the odious odor. Test every prospect often. Her irritation now can save you a crushed spirit and ruined life later. Get her around married men, because their sense of smell is better than yours.

Unmarried man! Trust your godly father. He has been married longer than you have been alive. His experience is worth millions. He has your best interests at heart. He thinks with a longer time perspective. He has no emotions clouding his judgment. His testosterone has abated from your blinding levels. His peer pressure is to help you marry wisely, not quickly. Trust your godly mother. She also can detect signs that could ruin a son’s life.

Unmarried man! Do not consider a woman for marriage unless she fears the LORD more than anything else (Pr 31:30). Great fear and love of God are the only motives strong enough to overcome a woman’s temptation to argue, contend, irritate, nag, question, or resist you. Find a woman that trembles before God and loves Jesus Christ, and join a church where proverbs like this are taught. You can guarantee marital happiness!

Unmarried woman! Humble yourself before the wisdom of God and commit in your heart to never be like this woman. Prepare your mind and practice every day to be cheerful, cooperative, forgiving, gracious, loving, quiet, peaceful, and submissive to your parents, your teachers, and your employers. Hate the evil woman of this proverb. Hate the sins that make her so obnoxious to others. Grieve for the victims she has married and ruined.

Married man! What can you do? If you married foolishly and are tormented by this contentious brawler, pack your bags and head upstairs. Or pray for an early death, for you, or her. Or leave this proverb in a conspicuous place. Or take her to a church where such things are taught, and pray she has an ounce of conscience left to convict her about her spirit. If you married a gentle, tender, and virtuous woman, take her out tonight.

Married woman! Examine yourself in the mirror of this proverb. Do not walk away (Jas 1:21-25). Your opinion about yourself is deceptive and wrong. Every odious woman thinks she is gracious – which is why she is odious! What do others think about you? Do you have many friends? Are young suitors seeking your daughters, because they hope to get a woman like you? Let truth and reality drive you to repentance or renewed effort.

Every reader! Give God the glory for such loving advice and marvelous wisdom. Every word of God is pure, and this inspired knowledge can save young men from marital grief. The Bible is as relevant today as ever, regardless of what skeptics and enemies of truth say. The important issue is whether young men will heed the warning, young women avoid the conduct, and married women beg God and their husbands for forgiveness.

Can the proverb be applied spiritually? Let every believer in Jesus Christ make sure he is a gentle, tender, and virtuous bride for the Lord of glory, without contending, questioning, or whining against Him, His word, or His ministers. He married you for His pleasure, so do all you can every day to be a cheerful, doting, loving spouse for the King.

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Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

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Men love the praise of a woman. They crave female flattery. It is even more exciting when the adoration comes from a new woman, a beautiful woman, or a popular woman. Wicked women use this male vulnerability to seduce men into adultery and fornication.

Young men must be taught against the seducing power and grave danger of a whore’s praise. With modern means to flatter by email, text, tweet, or call, the danger is greater than ever. Since many women lack a conscience or sexual inhibition today, sexting being an example, young men must learn to get completely away from such girls and women.

King Solomon, being a good and wise father, sought to prepare his son for the throne of Israel. Knowing that power is one of the greatest aphrodisiacs and motives for corrupt women, he warned his son often about the danger of enticing words from a strange woman – any woman he had not married (Pr 2:16; 5:3; 7:5,13-21; 22:14; 29:5). He knew the thrill of praise from a woman, implying her desire for intimacy, was a great threat.

An evil woman will go to bed with a man she has not married; she is an adulteress or a whore. She is a strange woman, because she has no right to his marriage bed (Heb 13:4). There are women, and more today than ever, that think lightly of sexual purity or loyalty. Virginity at marriage is mocked, and affairs after marriage are justified. Such women prey on noble and successful men, especially kings’ sons (Pr 6:26; 7:26; 23:27-28).

These evil women have only a few techniques, which wise men learn to identify and avoid. First, they expose and emphasize their feminine beauty and shape by immodest dress or conduct to capture his eyes (Pr 6:25; 7:10; Is 3:16). Since men are stimulated by sight, this is a great temptation and lays the initial foundation for sin. Wise men avoid the presence of immodest women and reject any lust for those they cannot avoid (Pr 5:8).

Second, these women use their eyes to admire a man and show their willingness to be his sexual partner. The use of eyes this way is often called “bedroom eyes.” Evil women know how to signal a man that they want him, and few men can resist the look (Pr 6:25; Is 3:16). Boys learn very early in life how pleasant it is for a girl to look at them affectionately. Noble men do not allow such eye contact with any woman but their wives.

The third trick is flattering speech to break down a man’s resistance and close in for the sexual kill. Immodest attire tempts men at a distance without involvement. Eye contact is usually the first personal connection that begins the seduction. But intimate words confirm the willingness, express desire in more detail, and persuade the man to yield. If a man has foolishly allowed a woman to get this far, it is unlikely he will be able to stop.

How powerful are words from a woman? Far more than most imagine! Consider Samson. Though he knew Delilah intended to destroy him, due to his three tests that she flunked terribly, he could not resist her daily pressing him with enticing words (Judges 16:1-21). It is hard to believe the world’s strongest man went down so easily to a proven liar from a pagan nation. Her sweet words in his ears never mentioned his future as a blind grinder!

Safety from flattery is simple – do not talk more than necessary with women. Cut off any woman that is too complimentary or friendly in her words. This includes texts, emails, and phone calls, where men can be seduced by words without seeing a woman’s body or having eye contact. If this requires avoiding family friends, changing jobs, or other drastic measures, they should be considered (Matt 5:28-30; Rom 13:14; II Tim 2:22).

Young men must be taught to dislike and avoid girls that are forward in speech or conduct. Immodest attire and bold faces usually identify them, but not always. From a young age, both parents should warn their sons that forward girls are evil and dangerous. Specific examples from school, the neighborhood, relatives, or other sources should be used to illustrate and train sons to despise this threat to their virtue and success.

Wise parents recognize from the warning in this proverb that restricting and/or monitoring conversations with girls is important to protect sons from fornication. The telephone is a boon to business and interpersonal communication, but it poses a new threat to young men. The cell phone, or the sin phone in many cases, provides a vehicle for communication that is much harder to restrict or monitor. Parents, beware!

Only foolish parents focus on unchaperoned dating or other obvious opportunities for sexual intimacy. Wise parents will seek to cut off the flattering conversations that seduce hearts and fuel desires before a couple has even been alone together. They know that the sexual stimulus and emotional appeal of lengthy conversations, emails, or text messages can steal hearts and morals long before two young people find a way to be alone.

Young women should be taught to never flirt with words, letters, cards, notes, phone calls, emails, or text messages until they are married. They should know flattering words are for their husbands, not ploys to tease, seduce, or frustrate men. They should be taught the meek, quiet, and shamefaced character the Bible requires (I Tim 2:9-10; I Pet 3:3-4). Godly mothers will also illustrate and teach how to use words to please their husbands.

Men also flatter and use words to disarm and take advantage of girls and women. It happens a million times a day. The emphasis in Proverbs is the danger of wicked women, because it was written by a father for his son’s safety and success. But to fully apply the wisdom here, girls and women should be even more careful, as sweet-talking men that give the slightest hint of seeking sexual favors are to be avoided and despised.

Godly wives learn from this proverb that they can use kind words and praise to build up their husbands and be better lovers. Many Christian wives are too ignorant, prudish, or bitter to verbally adore their husbands, which leaves those husbands vulnerable to worldly women that instinctively use flattery. A Christian wife should have the ability and ambition to beat the strange woman at her own game when it comes to her husband.

Good words and fair speeches are used for more than sexual sins. Paul warned that they are also used to entice Christians into false doctrine (Rom 16:17-18). False teachers will not tell you that they want to mislead you from the truth. They do just the opposite. They sound as sincere and Scriptural as possible. And they often promise many spiritual blessings and benefits in their religion. What is your best protection? Prove all things by the word of God and reject every false idea (Ps 119:128; Acts 17:11; I Thess 5:21).
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Proverbs 7:15

7/12/18

Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

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A whore speaks. Her words are precious. She describes her passion, efforts, and success at finding her lover. She romantically seduces him from his conscience and training. She flatters him with eager desire, and he falls for it as easily and quickly as a bird flies into a trap. She knows how to kiss and flatter her prey into the numbing nightmare of false love.

Any woman other than your wife can be the strange woman. And she is the strange woman – and an enemy – if she does anything to excite or invite your lusts for intimacy with her. Her kisses or words are a lie, for they tell of affection and pleasure, though there is only hatred and pain. Do not get near her kisses, and do not listen to her words.

Solomon used this chapter to warn against the strange woman. In detail he described her seduction: her subtle character, her romantic actions, her flattering words, and her careful precautions (Pr 7:10-21). As the perfect example of a wise father, he made the efforts to warn his son about one of the most dangerous temptations in life – whorish women.

Solomon’s extensive experience with women – 700 wives and 300 concubines – gave him a unique advantage (I Kgs 11:3). He warned often of the appeal and power of a woman’s flattering speech (Pr 2:16; 5:3; 6:24; 7:5,21). But here is a preview of some of her words – the flattering expressions of ardent passion and fervent love for her victim.

Let every man tremble in fear of this enemy. Joseph ran from a seductive whore, even though it landed him in prison (Gen 39:7-20). Samson listened to the enticing lies, and it cost him his hair – and his life (Judges 16:4-21). A woman’s passionate flattery is too much for most men. The adoring words and eager efforts overwhelm most resistance.

Safety is simple. Avoid desirable women you have not married. Reject any words or correspondence that even hint of affection, and end the relationship altogether. Recall that kisses and flattery from other than a wife are simply an alluring guise for your destruction, no matter whether they were given in malice or ignorance.

Christian wife, if you starve your husband of flattering affection and praise, you will be an accomplice in his sexual sins, for you make him vulnerable to the thing other women know how to give and are willing to give. When was the last time you praised his good features of appearance and character (Song 5:9-16)? Even Paul encouraged it (I Cor 7:3).

The warning here extends also to belly worshippers and religious compromisers – Christians with a form of godliness, but not living holy lives. Their good words and fair speeches deceive the simple, just as the whore deceived the young man here. So Paul warned to mark and avoid all such persons (Rom 16:17-18; Phil 3:17-20; I Tim 6:3-5).

Remember, the kisses and words of an enemy are deceitful (Pr 27:6; 26:24-28). Their lives are false, so it is no surprise their words and affection are false (Ps 28:3; 55:21). As with the harlot, their hearts are subtle (Pr 7:10); they have compromised truth and integrity in their souls, so their words are deceitful as well. Their great swelling words of vanity are just so much lying foam (II Pet 2:18; Jude 1:16). Judge them by their lives.

When they say, “It is so good to see you,” what in the world do they mean? What is good? What good have they done for you, or what good have they received from you? What good do they want to give you, or what good are they expecting from you? Instead of talking about good, they ought to be doing good, by either joining in your good worship of God or correcting your worship so it might be good.

True love is found only in Jesus Christ and exists only in truth (I Cor 13:4-7; Phil 1:9-11; I John 4:7-13). It is amazing how often big smiles, warm greetings, affectionate hugs, and tearful eyes totally lack anything about Jesus Christ or His gospel. What is this unholy friendliness? It is the lying deceit of self-deceived men, who have chosen the love of pleasure over the love of God (II Tim 3:4,13). Despise their kisses and words (Pr 27:6).

Is it any wonder that David prayed twice in one psalm to be delivered from strange children – false brethren – whose mouths speak vanity and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood (Ps 144:7-8,11)? Sober reader, David prayed for deliverance from such flattering men that he might enjoy the blessings of God upon his family (Ps 144:12-15).

The Church of Rome and all false churches follow the same course. They use the deceit learned from their father (John 8:44). They pretend to be just men – apostles of Christ and ministers of righteousness – but they are ravening wolves (Matt 7:15; Luke 20:20-22; Acts 20:29-30; II Cor 11:13-15). As a whore will seduce a man for his money, so these false teachers make merchandise of simple Christians by their feigned words (II Pet 2:3).

The cure for the strange woman is to find and marry a virtuous woman with whom you can have God-honoring companionship and lovemaking every day, resulting in a family for your great pleasure together (Pr 5:15-19). The cure for the false churches of false religion is to find and join a Bible-preaching, apostolic church that follows the old paths and earnestly contends for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jer 6:16; Jude 1:3).

Proverbs 7:25

Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

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Young man, you can defeat a whorish woman – one of the most difficult temptations in life – by keeping these rules: guard your heart, and live virtuously. Keep your heart above her sinful ways, and do not choose her immoral lifestyle. Be wise, and save yourself.

Solomon, as the wise father, warned his son and children of the grave danger of being seduced by the strange woman (Pr 7:5-23). A strange woman is any woman you have not married, but especially a loose one. The temptation to men by such a woman is very powerful. It is nearly irresistible, unless advance steps are taken to avoid her altogether.

Fornication and adultery are widespread and popular, with bolder and looser women than ever before. They are everywhere, and the various media promote them at all times in most attractive ways. A man cannot escape to the back forty every day, as in times past, for Potiphar’s wife is everywhere. The warning here is of utmost importance, for God will judge all whoremongers and adulterers (Heb 13:4). Be wise, and save yourself.

To wait until after you have met her, talked to her, or embraced her, in the hope you will be a Joseph, is foolish and guarantees your destruction. Joseph never entertained such thoughts, for he had carefully guarded his heart and stayed away from her as much as he could. You should not consider any sin (Pr 24:9), but especially sexual sins (Pr 6:25).

Consider the first rule – guard your heart. Keep it above her sensual approach to life. Sin begins in the heart (Jas 1:13-16). If you have not thought of a sin or desired it, you will hardly ever do it. But your heart wants to decline to her ways by its depraved nature from Adam (Jer 17:9). You must keep your heart with all diligence (Pr 4:23). Exercise your heart in spiritual and noble directions; do not let it slip to her carnal and lascivious ways.

Christian young man, your heart forms its thoughts and affections from inputs. If you feed it holy and noble material, you will have a holy and noble heart. If you feed it the television, websites, books, music, philosophy, images, and friends of this world, you will decline to her ways. You will think like her and be vulnerable to her sinful advances.

Thoughts of what she offers are delightful to the fleshly mind. Mental images of her are painted beautifully in a man’s thoughts. Due to your sin nature, you will never consider the horrible consequences of sex with her. You must reject any thoughts before they form; you must hate her and her sin; you must fear the God Who will judge her and you.

Do not let your heart decline – go down – to thoughts of stolen pleasures outside marriage. Hate her for using her beauty and wiles to destroy men; anything less than hatred will not work. Rise above her wicked ways to noble thoughts of God, wife, family, and home. If married, go hold your wife; if unmarried, go hold your mother. Love the virtuous women in your life, and hate this servant of Satan corrupted for your destruction.

Consider the second rule – walk virtuously. Reject her lifestyle and activities. Sin does not occur in noble places, while engaged in noble activities. How will you meet a whore and find an opportunity for sin in the assembly of the saints, with your family, in your home, diligently at work in your profession? Stay far away from her, her haunts, and her activities (Pr 4:14-15; 5:8; Rom 13:14; II Tim 2:22). She is far too strong to confront.

If David had been at battle, where he belonged, he would not have seen Bathsheba (II Sam 11:1-2). If he had then stayed that night in the domestic security of his palace, he would not have seen her. But he ventured out where he did not need to be. Samson could have avoided all his problems with Philistine whores, if he had but stayed at home.

It is foolish to visit bars, clubs, dances, coed gyms, pools, parties, schools, worldly dating services, and other places where the women are loose and evil. Her places and lifestyle will seduce and trap you with enormous temptations to sacrifice your virtue where you cannot escape her. You walked into hell yourself. Stay away from her and her activities.

Solomon’s father, David, wrote, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps 1:1-2). David has the two rules in reverse order: stay away from her paths and feed your soul the Word of God. And David’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, did just that (Heb 7:26).

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Proverbs 5:20

And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

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Why do you even think about it? A beautiful woman offering sexual intimacy is a great temptation. Her flattering affection and intriguing body overwhelm most men. But the horrible consequences crush the pleasure! Why do you think about it? It will ruin you.

Good fathers warn their sons plainly about whores, as Solomon did often (Pr 2:16-19; 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; 9:13-18; 22:14; 23:26-28,33; Eccl 7:26). They are one of the greatest dangers for young men, especially for princes. Do you know their great danger?

No matter how desirable she appears, no matter how flatteringly she speaks, and no matter how certain you will not be caught, fornication with a strange woman is a foolish and horrible crime. The consequences are more painful than death, more permanent than life, deep as hell, and hardly any are recovered to return to the land of the living.

A strange woman is any woman you have not married. Since you have not married her, you have no right to touch her. Your wife is your companion for life, and any other woman is a stranger. After giving negative (Pr 5:1-14) and then positive (Pr 5:15-19) reasons against the strange woman, Solomon asked why his son would even consider her.

The cure for the strange woman is a great marriage with your wife (Pr 5:19; I Cor 7:1-5; Heb 13:4). By exalting your wife in your mind, by choosing to be satisfied with her body, and by choosing to be overwhelmed with her love, there is no room for another woman. You cannot allow any bitterness or faults to spoil your affection for your wife (Col 3:19).

The consequences of sex with a strange woman are horrific. Solomon described them as death and hell (Pr 2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18). A life of death and hell, and hell after death! Few ever recover (Pr 2:19). Young man, forget the beautiful face and body. Ignore the flattering words. Reject any invitation. Do not let her touch or kiss you. Run far away.

You will break your wife’s heart, which God sees (Mal 2:13). You will lose your sure companion (Mal 2:14). You will lose your money (Pr 5:10) and your reputation (Pr 5:9). You will have a husband or father hating you (Pr 6:34-35). No one will understand why you did it (Pr 6:30-33). God will see it and punish you (Pr 5:21; 15:3; Heb 13:4).

You will create a binding sexual addiction to destroy you (Pr 5:22-23; 23:27). Your conscience will punish you with pain (Pr 5:11-14). You will lose a prosperous family of legitimate children (Pr 5:15-18). The pleasure is for a moment; the pain is forever (Pr 9:17-18). You will give occasion for God’s enemies to blaspheme (II Sam 12:14). Your prayers will not be heard (Ps 66:18), and you will face the lake of fire (Rev 21:8).

God in great mercy made Eve for Adam, and He ordained marriage for you to be sexually fulfilled with a devoted and helpful wife (I Cor 7:1-5; Heb 13:4). He invented love, marriage, and sex. Why would you ever think of disregarding the Creator’s rules for His invention? Humble yourself before His infinite wisdom and maximize your marriage.

If you played the fool and embraced the bosom of a stranger, there is hope, but it requires godly sorrow and repentance that most cannot understand or produce (II Cor 7:11). David was God’s favorite before and after his aggravated adultery and murder, because he totally humbled himself before God and confessed his heinous crime correctly (Job 33:27-28; II Sam 12:13; Ps 51:1-19). God will not despise your broken and contrite heart.
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Proverbs 13:22

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

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Godly families improve generation by generation. Good men save for grandchildren. God blesses the noble investment by taking from the wicked and adding it to their inheritance. Wisdom includes estate planning for your family to improve financially. A loving patriarch intends for future generations of his family to have greater economic power.

Good men are farsighted, especially for their families. They are great family planners. They rejoice in grandchildren, and they prepare every possible advantage. God rewards their goodness by keeping their estates for their posterity. The generations of the just are blessed (Ps 103:17). But He takes riches from the wicked and gives them to the righteous.

The Bible promises longevity to the righteous and shortened days to sinners (Pr 3:1-2; 4:10; 9:11; 10:27; Ps 34:11-13; 91:16; Eph 6:2-3). It also promises the safe transfer of wealth from one generation to another for them (Pr 28:8; Eccl 2:26; Job 27:16-17). These are wonderful promises that no life insurance salesman can even approach with his offers.

Israel, the people of God, visited Egypt, the cat-worshipping pagans of the Nile. When they left, they took the nation’s wealth of many generations (Ex 3:21-22; 12:36). Saul was envious of righteous David and persecuted him, but God gave Saul’s throne and wives to David (II Sam 12:7-8). And it is David’s throne that endures forever (Is 9:6-7).

Men have a huge family role. Patriarchy is the Creator God’s plan for the family. As goes the father, so goes the family. Most life problems can be traced to a negligent father. He first must be morally and spiritually good, as taught in this proverb. Then he must save and give an inheritance to grandchildren. He counts grandchildren as his crown (Pr 17:6).

Only good men are strong enough to retain income and assets for an inheritance (Pr 11:16). Foolish and sinful men are too lazy, selfish, or wasteful to accumulate an estate for the family. A good man is a hard worker at a real profession or trade, a consistent and disciplined saver, a frugal and wise spender, a prudent and pessimistic investor, and a generous giver. He easily denies himself to have money left over for future generations.

God has ordered parents to build an estate for their children (Pr 19:14; II Cor 12:14). It is not an option or merely a suggestion – it is His commandment – it is a rule of wisdom. While children must be ready to support parents in case of an emergency in old age, this is not God’s ordinary plan for the two generations (I Tim 5:4,8). The parents should have lived diligently and wisely enough to provide an inheritance for the next two generations.

This profane world mocks God and His ordinances. Their selfish habits and lusts for pleasures and immediate gratification consume most or all of their income, or even more, as some men die as net debtors in this evil generation. It is popular, and funny to fools, for grandparents to say, “We’re spending our children’s inheritance.” The great God will send those retirees to hell and give their estates to the righteous, who love their families.

An inheritance for your children and grandchildren is one more reason you must save some of your income. Saving money is not an option or suggestion; it is your Christian duty (Pr 6:6-8; 30:25), because leaving an inheritance is your Christian duty. You cannot excuse yourself by reading the Bible and praying every day. You must save some of your income. Anyone can save simply by putting money aside and living on whatever is left.

What if you have little wealth to leave your grandchildren? If you have lived and worked nobly according to God’s word, He chose your situation for wise purposes. He wants you to give them even greater gifts. The greatest inheritance a man can leave his family is fear of the Lord, the Christian scriptures, and wisdom (Ps 34:11; 119:111; Eccl 7:11). Good men see three or more generations needing these precious things (Ps 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3).

Reader, what are you doing for your family? Is your life of such integrity that blessings are accruing to your descendants, both spiritually and financially? Is your family growing in greatness generation by generation? Or are you a fool, neglecting to give your children the advantages you were charged to give them (Deut 6:4-9; II Cor 12:14; Eph 6:4)? Shame on you! Let every father remember daily why he is still alive (Is 38:19).

Christian, your financial position in life is of modest importance or significance. Focus your attention and affection upward. Your Father in heaven has an inheritance reserved for you in the next world that exceeds the wealth of the universe (I Cor 3:21-23; I Pet 1:3-5; II Pet 3:10-14). What investment did He make for your future? The death of His only Son! What portion did He assign to you? An equal portion with that Son (Ro 8:14-19)!

Proverbs 22:11

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

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This is one of Solomon’s finest proverbs. Here is wisdom for your success – inspired advice to take you to the top. In just a few words, the God of heaven outlined how a few special men rise above average men to be great. God and Solomon want you to prosper.

Precious wisdom! A man with a pure heart has gracious speech, so that great men choose him as their friend. It begins with a pure heart – one free from all bitterness, envy, guile, hypocrisy, malice, pride, or selfishness. Such hearts use gracious words – acceptable, agreeable, courteous, forgiving, gentle, kind, merciful, and pleasing words. The combination is so delightful and rare that noble men are instantly and deeply drawn to it.

Graciousness is the most beautifying character trait. A gracious person is often described as a beautiful or charming person. Whether man or woman, graciousness makes a person delightful, pleasant, and winning. It is a rare and sweet pleasure to meet one. And this trait is most clearly shown by excellent speech. You will meet only a few in life; they will have great reputations; they will warm your soul; you will crave their company.

If you want to advance, to grow and prosper, in your profession and all relationships, then you should memorize this proverb and practice it every day. Loving pureness of heart is something you do every waking minute; gracious speech is guarding every word when speaking. You should seize the valuable wisdom offered to you in this proverb, and by consistent practice of its two simple rules, you will reap the promised reward.

How did Joseph at only thirty years of age rise to the right hand of power in Egypt, though he was not an Egyptian and was in prison for attempted rape? He did it by pure motives and wise speech, no matter the audience or circumstances (Gen 41:37-45). Pharaoh loved him and gave him honors, rewards, and privileges. The proverb is true.

How did Daniel around twenty win the loving favor of one of the greatest and harshest kings, the Chaldean Nebuchadnezzar? He followed the same plan of pure motives and gracious speech of Joseph (Dan 1:18-20; 6:3). He was honored by Nebuchadnezzar, by his descendants, and by his successors Darius and Cyrus the Persian for over 70 years.

Consider that Solomon, a king, admitted weakness for gracious men. He had heard about the friendship between his father David and Prince Jonathan, where David’s gracious speech had won Jonathan in a few moments (I Sam 17:57 – 18:4). Though David was a lowly shepherd and also a threat to his future reign, Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Why? Because David’s heart was free from any ambition, guile, pride, or selfishness.

Enemy kings, mercenaries, and foreign kings loved David. Saul in his right mind loved David (I Sam 16:21; 24:16-19; 26:17,21-25). When David had to live in Goliath’s hometown, Achish the king of Gath loved David (I Sam 28:1-2; 29:3,6,9). Mighty Ittai led 600 soldiers of Gath to mutiny to follow David for the rest of his life (II Sam 15:21). Hiram, king of Tyre, one of the wealthiest of nations, always loved David (I Kgs 5:1).

Herod Antipas appreciated and favored John the Baptist, in spite of John rebuking his actions, though his adulterous wife eventually secured his murder (Mark 6:16-20). Paul also found favor with Roman governors, captains, centurions, and kings by the same formula of Joseph, David, and Daniel (Acts 26:28-32; 28:16,30). The proverb is true.

Be gracious, always! Do you grasp the power of this rule from the mouth of God and pen of Solomon? Do you see the Bible examples of its fulfillment with the most powerful men on earth? Keep your heart with all diligence, for your speech and conduct in life comes from this fountain and source (Pr 4:23). Let your speech be always gracious, nurturing and lifting those around you (Col 4:5-6; I Cor 10:31-33). Honor is coming.

Hate frowardness, always! Do not allow critical, hard, or negative words out of your mouth foolishly. Do not be demanding, harsh, proud, or severe unless rare circumstances call for it. How can you stop offensive speech and body language that costs you favor and honor with men and women? Think only pure thoughts about all persons in your heart.

Solomon said a gracious woman is always revered (Pr 11:16). If a woman has few friends and is generally disliked, she needs graciousness. It is her odiousness – the opposite of graciousness – that offends others (Pr 30:23). A virtuous woman speaks very cautiously and discreetly, and then only with kindness (Pr 31:26). She says only acceptable things, and she only says them at acceptable times. The meek and quiet spirit of good women, which God and men admire, is a large part of graciousness (I Pet 3:3-4).

An unwanted woman must examine herself through the ears of others. Two things she can do are to reject all critical and negative thoughts and cut her words in half. A beautiful woman without the gracious discretion to know what to say and when to say it is like a jewel of gold in a pig’s nose (Pr 11:22). Her words and manners keep reminding you of the hairy pig wearing the little piece of gold. When an average or ugly woman does not have gracious discretion, words fail to describe the ugliness of this creature.

Solomon also taught that wise men speak graciously, but fools destroy themselves with their words (Ec 10:12). While he attached the critical adjective “odious” to women, he attached “froward” to men. A froward man is difficult, harsh, obnoxious, perverse, and unreasonable; he is the opposite of gracious. Kings delight in righteous speech (Pr 16:13), for they want counselors and ambassadors that advise and represent them well. Solomon highly praised pleasant words (Pr 10:20,32; 12:18; 15:23; 16:21,24; 24:26; 25:11).

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of graciousness. David prophesied of His gracious lips (Ps 45:2). When He first spoke in His hometown of Nazareth, the skeptics were amazed at his gracious speech (Luke 4:22). Even his enemies had to admit that no man had ever spoken like Him (John 7:46). Scripture is full of His gracious words, coming from the purest heart (John 4:6-30; 8:10-11; 9:37; 11:25-26; 18:1-26; 20:16; 21:1-14).

Graciousness begins with a pure heart. Bitterness, envy, or strife in the heart is from hell, and leads to all sort of confusion and evil (Jas 3:14-16). A man’s speech reflects his heart (Luke 6:45), so you must keep your heart with all diligence (Pr 4:23). If your heart is cheerful, contented, forgiving, kind, and thankful, you will think gracious thoughts. You must reject all sinful thoughts of bitterness, envy, evil surmising, malice, or revenge.

A pure heart produces gracious speech. Paul said, “Let your speech be alway with grace” (Col 4:6). He told the Ephesians to avoid all corrupt speech and focus on words that build others up; he said that a tenderhearted spirit based in kindness and forgiveness was right, but that bitterness, wrath, malice, and evil speaking were wrong (Eph 4:29-32). If you think kindly about others, rule your spirit, and guard your tongue, you will be gracious.

Reader, lay hold of wisdom. This proverb is pure gold. If you seek to grow in favor with God and men, there is no better way than graciousness. By starting with your heart and thoughts about others, you will have the internal fountain for gracious words. The perfect place to practice is at home with spouse, parents, children, or siblings, where you are generally the least gracious. With the blessing of God, the king will soon be your friend.

What else can you do? Listen more; talk less (Pr 17:27). Promote others (Phil 2:3-4). Learn to live charity (I Cor 13:4-7). Avoid folly (Eccl 10:1). Hate jesting (Eph 5:4). Be cheerful (Pr 15:13,15). Be content (Heb 13:5-6). Exalt mercy (Jas 2:13). Develop pitiful compassion (I Pet 3:8). Eliminate moodiness (Pr 16:32). Overlook others’ faults (Pr 19:11). Make peace (Jas 3:17-18). Only say what is acceptable to others (Pr 10:32). Praise others (Pr 12:25). Hate the limelight (Num 12:3). Despise envy (Pr 14:30). Do not be a busybody (I Pet 4:15).

And pray for it! David had a pure heart, because he asked the Lord to search and perfect his heart (Ps 139:23-24). Pray for a greater measure of the Spirit of God in your life, so that you will bear the gracious fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Any man or woman bearing love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance will be gracious. He will be incredibly gracious. She will be a new creature.

Forget what you think about yourself. Graciousness is what others feel about you – God and good men. Most odious people think themselves gracious, and most gracious people think themselves odious. It is this arrogance of spirit or humility of spirit that makes a person odious or gracious. Humble yourself before God’s word. Reject your pride. Others certainly do not miss your abrasive and irritating words and manners. If you have few friends, especially noble men and women, craving your presence, you are likely odious.

Parents, teach your children graciousness. Instead of wasting your life and their minds with the profitless drivel of today’s profane education model, work on this great character trait that pleases God and men. It will do more for their future success than memorizing the periodic table of elements. Can you define graciousness? Can they define it? Can you illustrate it daily in their sibling relationships? Can you apply it to the various situations with people you encounter every day? Study the word. Meditate on it. Live it. Require it.

If Christians were more gracious in their speech, others would be attracted to their religion. Since the Founder and Teacher of Christianity, the blessed Lord Jesus Christ, had a perfectly pure heart and totally gracious speech, it is a disgraceful shame when His so-called followers have neither. Honor your Saviour and defend His religion by a pure heart and gracious words. The King of kings will be your friend and exalt you very high.
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Proverbs 17:25

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

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How much pain do you cause your parents? How much will your children cause you? Solomon observed this calamity in families, where a foolish child can cause both parents great pain. The lessons are simple – obey and honor your parents, and train your children.

Godly parents know this proverb is true. Fathers grieve when children are foolish, and mothers are pained seeing them reject wisdom for folly. Worldly parents are not as troubled, because they do not understand wisdom, nor do they recognize foolish children.

Mothers endure pain bringing their children into the world (Gen 3:16; John 16:21), and they work hard and long bringing those children to maturity (I Tim 5:8). But if they neglect training them in the way of the Lord, those children can bring far greater grief and bitterness in the future than childbirth or thankless years doing laundry (Pr 29:15).

What should you learn? First, obey your parents. When you disobey, you cause them pain. If you disobey them, you will reap what you sow – future pain from your own children (Gal 6:7). There is nothing weak about remembering how your mother will feel when she learns of your sins. Such thoughts have held some men back from crimes. God defends parents, and His punishment of rebellious children is terrible (Pr 20:20; 30:17).

Second, honor your parents. This goes beyond obeying them. Honoring parents is treating them affectionately, kindly, reverently, and specially. Do you show careful respect for them at all times? God condemns even speaking lightly about parents (Deut 27:16). God condemns even disrespectful facial expressions (Pr 30:17). Because God honors parents, He promises great rewards for you to honor them – a good life and long life (Eph 6:2-3).

Third, choose wisdom. After obeying and honoring parents, you should choose a godly and wise lifestyle dedicated to righteousness and truth. Your highest reasons to do so should be God’s glory and serving His kingdom on earth. But before you consider your own prosperity and pleasure under God’s blessing for such a life, you should consider showing your parents the best character and conduct for their great peace and pleasure.

What else should you learn? Child training, requiring sacrifice and investment, has a fabulous return for all parties. It will save you from the grief and bitterness described, and it will bring joy and pleasure to see children living godly and productive lives (Pr 10:1; 15:20; 17:21; 19:13,26; 23:15-16,24-25; 27:11; 29:3,17). It will also bring prosperity and success to your children, and you will please the God who loaned your children to you.

If you train your children when they are young, they will give you pleasure when they are old, by walking in the ways you know are good (Pr 22:6). God loaned them to you with foolishness bound in them, but He has told you how to drive it far away (Pr 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14). Fathers, training is not an option (Eph 6:4). And mothers, you must participate as well (Pr 1:8; 6:20). The choice is up to you, but the consequences are certain.

Parent, do you have a godly approach to child training? Or is life just happening in your home? Are you so distracted, frustrated, and tired that you are raising them with meals and clothes, but no training? Are your children growing up without daily correction and instruction in truth? The pastor cannot do it for you, and public education is against truth. God chose to have wisdom communicated by parents to children (Deut 6:4-9; 29:29).

Why did you have children? If you will not teach them the fear and love of God, you should not have had any (Ps 34:11). One of the greatest problems in the world today is AWOL fathers – men deserting their responsibility to teach and train children in godliness and wisdom (Deut 6:6-9; Eph 6:4). The pain described in the proverb will come on both parents, but great pleasure for all can result from both parents doing their jobs.

If you trained your child, and you have a fool, he will bear his own burden (Gal 6:5). There have never been perfect parents, and God knows it. If all your children are good, then you must not require enough, these must not be perilous times, Jesus must not have a family sword, the Bible’s warnings must not be true, and holy men with foolish children must be losers. Take comfort there is more in play with your children than your training.

Remember the great men and women of the Bible and their problems with children, lest you despair. Consider Noah (Ham), Isaac and Rebekah (Esau), Jacob (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, and others), Manoah and his wife (Samson), Eli (Hophni and Phineas), Samuel (Joel and Abiah), Job (sons), David (all), Hezekiah (Manasseh), and Mary (Jesus’ unbelieving siblings). These grieving parents are some of the best saints in the Bible.

Christian, do you consider the grief you cause your heavenly Father by foolishness or worldliness (Ps 95:10)? While He is truly independent of actual harm by your sins (Job 35:5-8), His influence can be grieved and quenched in your life (Eph 4:30; I Thess 5:19). You can please or displease your heavenly Father (II Sam 11:27; I Kgs 3:10). Feel the meaning of these words: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Eph 5:1).
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Proverbs 19:17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

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Here is outstanding investment advice. Where else can you find a risk-free rate of return that pays guaranteed dividends in this life and eternity? History’s richest king, Solomon, tells you about a fully secure investment that yields a variety of large profits perpetually.

Helping the poor financially is like making a loan to the LORD Jehovah. The metaphor is powerful. The true God is a great credit risk. He will repay for sure, and He will include interest and blessings with it. You can never lose giving to the LORD. He represents the poor, because He has made them and protects them (Ps 10:14; 12:5; 140:12; Eccl 5:8).

Financial success is not hard. Give to the truly poor, and God will repay your kindness with liberal blessings. Economic prosperity was never so easy. Almighty God will send prosperity down on you. If you scatter money cheerfully, He will compensate you well (Pr 11:24; Lu 6:38; II Cor 9:7). If you hold back, poverty will come for sure (Pr 11:24). Of course, the world and your flesh, which are hateful by nature, do not believe this rule.

This proverb is a God-ordained law. Believe and trust it like you do gravity and other natural laws. The business programs at Harvard, Stanford, and the Wharton School are jokes in comparison to Solomon’s wisdom. Knowledge of his proverbs is superior to the silly little MBA’s from these schools (Pr 28:11; I Tim 6:20). Not only are those schools ignorant of Solomon’s wisdom, but it is even illegal for those Bible-haters to teach it.

There is little difference between the rich and poor, for God has made them both (Pr 22:2). The fact that one man has more than another man is God’s choice, not personal superiority (I Cor 4:7; Eccl 9:11). The rich should never mock the poor or gloat over them (Pr 14:21,31; 17:5). It is the solemn duty and privilege of all men to kindly consider the poor (Pr 28:3; 29:7; Ps 41:1). Start with your heart – do you truly pity the truly poor?

Considering and helping the poor is so important to God that He attached blessings and punishments to such charity. Giving to the poor will bring financial blessings to the giver (Pr 22:9; 28:8,27; Ps 112:9). Being stingy with the poor will bring financial judgment on selfish wretches (Pr 21:13; 22:16; 28:27). He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

Who are the poor, and where are they? They are not on television programs from socialist do-gooders rejecting God and truth. This includes “prosperity gospel” heretics posing as Christians. They often use pictures of bloated and starving babies simply to increase their cash flow to siphon off for their carnal “ministries.” Nations perpetuating poverty by ignorance, superstition, slothfulness, or tradition are not objects for Christian charity.

The poor are orphans and widows, or others suffering under acts of God, which He puts in your path (Jas 1:27). The Good Samaritan did not go to slums looking for wounded Jews, but he was eager to help a poor Jew put in his way by God’s providence (Luke 10:33). The Bible sets the order as family, your church, other churches of truth, and then God’s providence (I Tim 5:8; Acts 11:28-30; Rom 12:13; 15:26; Gal 6:10; I Jn 3:17).

The poor do not include foolish or lazy men, unless they repent and do all they can for themselves. Foolish or lazy men should starve, as it is the best teaching device and appropriate justice (Pr 20:4; Matt 25:1-30; II Thess 3:10). Wise and diligent men are not obligated to provide a general insurance fund for foolish or slothful men. Let sluggards or wasters learn wisdom and diligence God’s way (Pr 16:26). His welfare system is perfect.

What should you give the poor? Food, clothing, and shelter, or things closely connected to these basic necessities (Job 31:16-22; Is 58:7; Ezek 18:5-9; Jas 2:15-16). Luxuries or pleasures are not the nature of true charity. Considering the poor is seeing their needs, not their foolish desires (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35). Toys for Christmas is not true charity. Neither is the Bible communistic – the more gifted and diligent should enjoy life more.

In the churches of Jesus Christ, the giving is to be overseen by bishops and deacons, lest the undeserving receive charity and the deserving be overlooked. The money of the early church was laid at the apostles’ feet for them to make distribution (Acts 4:35,37; 5:2). When the task became too great for them, they ordained deacons for the job (Acts 6:1-6).

Only cheerful giving works (II Cor 9:7; Gal 2:10). If you give begrudgingly, you lose twice. You lose the money you give, and you lose the promised blessings. You are a loser twice over. You brought nothing into this world, and you will take nothing out. You have been blessed, so why is your soul so stingy about giving to the poor? Choose instead to have a generous mentality that loves to give, and God will bless you (Is 32:8; Mic 6:8).

Only a faithless fool says, “I cannot afford to give.” The truth is he cannot afford NOT to give. He is poor because of his stinginess. If he loosened his purse, he would be blessed financially. But of course, unbelievers cannot grasp this simple and certain lesson. The faithful man believes the promise and takes advantage of it with cheer and thanksgiving.

God does not overlook a single dime you give, or minute you donate, to the poor. He will repay. And He does not overlook a single dime you withhold or a minute you keep for yourself. He repays that as well. God will take the little that a selfish and stingy man has and give it to the rich man, who liberally gives to the poor (Matt 25:14-30). Amen!

Giving to the poor is an endowment fund for your family. Psalm 112 describes the man that truly fears the Lord and God’s blessings upon him. This man is gracious, full of compassion, shows favor, lends, disperses, and gives to the poor. God blesses his children with greatness, adds wealth and riches to his estate, gives him light for living, remembers his righteousness forever, and defeats his enemies after humiliating them.

Wise men with faith rejoice to give to the poor. They know charity is the greatest grace and mark of Christianity (I Cor 13:13; Jn 13:35; I Jn 3:16-19). They know one purpose and goal for hard work is to have more to give (Eph 4:28). They know charity is a more excellent way of serving Jesus Christ than being an apostle (I Cor 12:28 – 13:3). Amen!

Almighty God will repay every gift you give to the poor. He will repay the principal – you will never be short. He will repay with interest – you will have more than if you had not given. He will also repay with many other blessings (Pr 14:21; Eccl 11:1-6; Phil 4:17-19; I Tim 6:17-19). He will remember every dime in the Day of Judgment, even when you forget in the heat of that solemn event (Matt 25:31-46; Luke 14:12-14; Heb 6:10).

If you still have a hard time giving, consider the glorious Benefactor of His children, the Lord Jesus Christ. For their desperate and starving condition in the poverty of sin and condemnation, He became poor so they might be made rich. Do you understand this glorious message of the gospel? Is Jesus the Son of God? Then follow Him! What darkness of heart or mind causes any believer to hold back from giving (II Cor 8:9)?

Proverbs 31:21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

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The virtuous woman is diligent, foresightful, and classy. She looks and thinks ahead, so that future needs never catch her by surprise. She is ready for winter or any other situation that requires special preparation. Not only does she prepare in advance, but she also has a sharp eye for quality and appearance. Her family is well prepared for the cold weather, but they will also look good in the fine clothing she obtains for them.

The ideal woman fears the Lord above all else, which lays the foundation for her perfect character and conduct (Pr 31:10-12,30). Diligence is the main practical virtue of the wonderful woman in this extensive description. Verse after verse describes her energy, initiative, labor, and productivity, both in the home and in her business enterprises. She is not distracted or diverted by amusement, recreation, sleep, or vacations. She is a worker.

But hard work poorly directed is wasted effort. Wisdom is valuable for directing energy and strength in productive projects. A tree is cut down most efficiently with a sharp axe, rather than more effort applied with a dull one (Eccl 10:10). A virtuous woman has a mind as well as a back. She thinks as well as works. She looks ahead and sees the needs that are coming, so she can prepare for them in advance and be ready when they arrive.

For those living in parts of the world with seasons, one of the duties of a great woman is to have clothing prepared for the cold weather of winter. With growing children, this requires obtaining whole new sets of sweaters, coats, boots, and other protective clothing for each child. Since most budgets cannot afford all the expense at once, a wise woman plans ahead and begins securing the clothing items long before the first snow falls.

A foolish or lazy woman lives day to day. She barely makes it through each day. The future overwhelms and intimidates her – she hardly has the commitment and energy to survive today. She is preoccupied with taking a nap, getting out of fixing supper, or planning a vacation. Future needs that require budgeting and prudent shopping can wait, she says. She does not see the coming evil, and she does not hide from it (Pr 22:3; 27:12).

How does scarlet protect? Can a bright red color warm the body? This proverb – a short pithy saying with hidden wisdom – describes a great woman’s concern for quality and class, not just functionality. Rags were not dyed scarlet! Her family has warm clothing ready, but it is also attractive and stylish. She is diligent, foresightful, concerned about quality, and conscious of beauty. She overlooks nothing. She knows appearance, image, and reputation have a limited value, so she includes them in her planning and buying.

Woman, what will your family soon need? Does the house need painting? The gutters cleaned? The garden planted? The nursery furnished? The freezer filled? The daughters educated about marriage? Clothes prepared for your husband’s business trip? Long-term care planned for your parents? A preventive physical for them or you? Money set aside for an insurance bill? A wise woman will have such things taken care of with style.

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