OceanSide church of Christ

Read devotionals for February 2018

March 1, 2018

Proverbs 27:22 – Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.


Thought: Wheat was often beat with a pestle, a tool designed for pounding, to release it from its husk. The writer tells us that even if a fool were to be beaten with a pestle, he could not be separated from his foolishness. Barnes writes: “It sticks to him to the last; all discipline, teaching, experience seem to be wasted on him.” There are some people who just cannot be changed. They long to practice their foolishness. Their hard, stubborn hearts cannot be changed, even by the powerful Word of God.

Exodus 11:9-10


March 2, 2018

Proverbs 27:23 – Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.


Thought: Taking an inventory of one’s assets is a very important matter. It is true when applied to physical things. It is even more important to make application of it to spiritual things. Elders of the church need to know the state of their flocks. Members of the church need to look well to their herds. Examining oneself from time to time is very important. Anything that is unkempt, weak, and sickly needs immediate attention. If the little things are not cared for, bigger problems loom in our future.

Genesis 33:13


March 3, 2018

Proverbs 27:24 – For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?


Thought: When things are going well, we often have a tendency to neglect being watchful. We have flocks and herds in abundance, and we believe this will continue forever. Our failure to be diligent, however, can cause problems. Our wealth that we thought would be forever can come to an end. The truth is that “riches are not forever.” Even the royal crown is not a promised possession. Many a monarch has watched his kingdom come to an end. The main lesson here is: Do not take things for granted. Child rearing, health, and relationships could be applied to this teaching as well.

James 5:1-2


March 4, 2018

Proverbs 27:25 – The hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.


Thought: Most businesses have cycles. These cycles are studied and are taken advantage of by the business owners. Mastering the cycle brings more profit to the company. In this proverb, the writer indicates part of the cycle for the herdsman: hay, grass, then herbs. His knowledge of these things would help him to increase his flocks. He had to take advantage of these things because as the previous verse affirms: “…riches are not for ever.”

Psalm 104:14


March 5, 2018

Proverbs 27:26 – The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.


Thought: A person who is a business owner knows that all that he owns and all of his knowledge are intended for his welfare. The lambs of the herdman provided him clothing. They also enabled him to purchase fields for grazing. It is for this cause that it was imperative for him to know the state of his flocks and to understand the various cycles of his business. This was not just knowledge for knowledge’s sake. His livelihood and welfare depended on it.

I Samuel 25:2


March 6, 2018

Proverbs 27:27 – And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.


Thought: Being diligent, paying attention to details, and understanding your field of endeavor are vital to one’s well-being and the well-being of one’s household. The person who invests himself properly in his work will reap the benefits thereof. He will definitely be able to properly provide for his family. He will be able to pride himself on the fact that he is able to care for his own.

I Timothy 5:8


March 7, 2018

Proverbs 28:1 – The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.


Thought: The wicked are constantly engaged in evil works. They do not want to be caught. The least little noise will cause them to flee. They will flee when there is no reason to run. The righteous are vastly different. When grave danger appears, they will not turn and run. Instead, they stand firm like the lion. They take on the opposition. They know their God is on their side. He is stronger than any opposition they might face.

Psalm 27:1-2


March 8, 2018

Proverbs 28:2 – For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.


Thought: God is the one who instituted government. As the Governor of the nations, He holds all leaders to whom He has granted power accountable. Transgression of His law will cause the downfall of the prince. Sometimes, evil rulers are removed in quick succession. However, if a monarch or president will be governed by understanding and knowledge of God’s truth, his kingdom can be prolonged. Length of days has always been a promise to those who obey the will of God.

Deuteronomy 30:20


March 9, 2018

Proverbs 28:3 – A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.


Thought: The poor struggle to make ends meet. They barely have enough for their daily living. Sometimes the essentials of life are not to be found. When a person who understands their plight because he is of their number becomes the oppressor, he is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. The little that the poor has is taken from him. His kinsman has made him even more destitute. The character of a person who would inflict those of his own number is truly despicable.

Matthew 18:28-30


March 10, 2018

Proverbs 28:4 – They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.


Thought: That which separates the righteous from the wicked is the law of God. The righteous love the law of God and protect it. The ungodly hate the law of God and seek to destroy it. It is sad when a person forsakes the law and praises the wicked. They are traitors to the cause. The faithful will never side with those who are wicked. In fact, they will always contend with them. Question: “Whose side are you on?”

I Kings 18:17-19


March 11, 2018

Proverbs 28:5 – Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.


Thought: The morally depraved do not have the proper understanding or righteousness, holiness, and judgment. They do not understand the source of evil. They do not understand the harmful consequences of evil. Their minds are confused about the benefits of godliness. On the other hand, they that seek the Lord understand all of these things. God’s Word has permeated their minds with divine knowledge and understanding. They have the correct perception of evil and righteousness. Dear reader, do you really perceive evil for the horror that it is?

Jeremiah 4:22


March 12, 2018

Proverbs 28:6 – Better is the poor that walketh in his unrightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.


Thought: Riches are not the ultimate utopia. If a man is rich and engages in wickedness, his riches count for nothing. A poor man who is righteous is a better person. His righteousness makes him a benefit to self, family, the community, and the kingdom of God. Riches have nothing to do with righteousness. Riches without righteousness put one in spiritual poverty.

Luke 16:22-23


March 13, 2018

Proverbs 28:7 – Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.


Thought: One’s keeping of the law is often influenced by his associates. When a person fellowships those who are evil, he has a difficult time adhering to the teachings of God’s Word. To be obedient, one often has to change his relationships. He cannot continue to have his friends who love the world. The one who is willing to divest himself of evil companions and will keep the law of God is a wise son.

II Corinthians 6:14-18


March 14, 2018

Proverbs 28:8 – He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.


Thought: Money and its power often cause individuals to do evil things to others. There are some who will increase their gain by charging extravagant amounts of interest to funds they loan to others. Their greedy hearts cause them to oppress their fellow man. This verse promises that there will be a time when the lover of money will lose his profits to one who will pity the poor. Wrongs are sometimes corrected in this world. God can bring equity into situations wherein there is there has been injustice.

Job 27:16-17


March 15, 2018

Proverbs 28:9 – He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.


Thought: When in need, people turn to God in prayer. They cry out in earnestness. They cry out in deep despair. They long for God to hear them. In fact, they almost demand that He hears them. But, their lives have not been lived in harmony with God’s law. They have turned away their ears from hearing His instructions. Therefore, their prayers are vain. In fact, the inspired writer says that they are an abomination unto God. Why should God hear a man who has never listened to God?

Isaiah 1:15-16


March 16, 2018

Proverbs 28:10 – Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.


Thought: There are evil people in the world who delight in trying to lead the righteous into error and into immorality. When they battle against the righteous, however, they are not successful. In fact, they are the ones who fall victim to their evil plans. The faithful continue to stand. In fact, they prosper. God blesses them for being steadfast and unmovable. They “shall have good things in possession.”

Proverbs 3:35


March 17, 2018

Proverbs 28:11 – The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.


Thought: Wealth is seen by many as the answer to all problems. “If I just had enough money,” is the thought of many. Because wealth brings a man some independence and power, it often deceives the one who has it. He becomes wise in his own conceits. If this happens, it is better to be poor with understanding. The poor man can easily see the arrogance of the rich. Adam Clarke summarized is well, when he wrote: “Wealth blunts, poverty sharpens, the critical power of the intellect.”

Ecclesiastes 9:15-16


March 18, 2018

Proverbs 28:12 – When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.


Thought: This proverb speaks of the character of those who rule. When the righteous overcome, rejoice, and rule, there is glory in a nation. But, when the wicked rise, the righteous are forced into hiding. Evil hates righteousness. Evil men will seek out righteous men in order to do away with them. This proverb plays out in all situations wherein men rule. Righteous rulers are a blessing. Wicked leaders are a curse.

I Kings 18:3-4


March 19, 2018

Proverbs 28:13 – He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.


Thought: Sin never likes to be exposed. It is shameful, embarrassing, and brings heartache to self and others. But, when it is confessed it begins a healing process. It brings the mercy of God. God’s mercy pardons the transgression. At that point, a person’s life can begin to heal by forsaking his sinful practices. The person can live a life of holiness instead of continuing the downward spiral of unrighteousness.

I John 1:8-10


March 20, 2018

Proverbs 28:14 – Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.


Thought: Fear involves having a healthy respect for the living God. This respect stems from who He is and what He has done. It moves us to submit to His will and to serve Him with all of our being. Those who do this are happy. Those who harden their hearts to God transgress His will. They fall into mischief. Their fall brings hurt and pain to their lives. Dear reader, the choice is yours to make.

Hebrews 4:1


March 21, 2018

Proverbs 28:15 – As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.


Thought: The thought of being attacked by a lion or bear is very scary. The damage that both of these animals can do is immense. Our inspired writer tells us that a wicked ruler over poor people is like these two ferocious animals. He can inflict harm into the lives of the poor. He takes from them. He uses them. He subjects them to bondage. They are viewed as his puppets and slaves. May God give us good rulers who love all of their subjects, including the poor.

Exodus 1:14-16


March 22, 2018

Proverbs 28:16 – The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.


Thought: One of the traits of a good ruler is understanding. His understanding should begin with a comprehension of the Word of God. He should also understand the people he oversees. Too, he needs a basic understanding of all areas under his control. He who does not have this will oppress his people. Too, he should not serve in order to accumulate riches. If he hates covetousness, he will be loved, appreciated, and will prolong his reign.

Isaiah 33:15-16


March 23, 2018

Proverbs 28:17 – A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.


Thought: Murder is a horrible crime. It involves the taking of life that was given by God. Man has no right to take this divine gift from another person. Those who ruthlessly take another’s life should be punished with the loss of life. No one should stay them. To protect them causes one to be a partaker of their evil deeds. Murder is a work of the flesh that stands in direct opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. It is a sin. It is the transgression of divine will. It is evil. It deserves punishment of a severe nature.

Genesis 9:6


March 24, 2018

Proverbs 28:18 – Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.


Thought: Man can either walk uprightly, that is, in harmony with God’s will. Or, he can walk perversely, that is, contrary to the will of God. One will be saved. The other will fall. One has God’s protection surrounding him. The other has God’s wrath resting upon him. One has great hope. The other has cast hope aside. One will live with God forever. The other will be driven from the presence of God. Which person are you? We exhort you to walk uprightly!

Psalm 84:11


March 25, 2018

Proverbs 28:19 – He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.


Thought: There is a way to live life and prosper. There is a way to live life and fail. In this verse, the inspired penman gives us two secrets to success. The first involves diligent effort. Another word for this is work. Work is a four-letter word that many do not like. Yet, it is the key to having “plenty of bread.” Anyone who has gone from nothing to riches has worked many long, hard hours. The second secret of success is to refrain from vain persons. Those who associate with wicked and evil people seldom have much. They are part of a crowd that uses one another. One’s circle of influence is very important to success.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12


March 26, 2018

Proverbs 28:20 – A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.


Thought: There is absolutely nothing wrong with being wealthy. The key is “how” the wealth is obtained. Obtaining wealth by wholesome and honest means is to be commended. The individual has been diligent. He has followed the rules. He has overcome challenges. He has persisted. All of his faithful efforts eventually are rewarded with blessings. But, the one who seeks to get rich quickly by dishonest and deceptive means is not innocent before God. This man has lied and swindled and stolen to make a quick profit. He is one who stands guilty in the eyes of the Lord.

II Kings 5:20-27


March 27, 2018

Proverbs 28:21 – To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.


Thought: To be a respecter of persons means that you favor one individual or class of individuals above others. The favored person could be a family member, a friend, or someone in business who can be of some assistance. It may simply be a stranger who is able to provide you with some type of financial assistance. The wise man says that being a respecter of persons is not good. It is amazing how little it takes, just a piece of bread, for one to be influenced by others.

Exodus 23:8


March 28, 2018

Proverbs 28:22 – He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.


Thought: Some will try to get rich by any means possible. Money clouds their reasoning ability. They disregard the ethics of how the riches are coming. They are immune to the fact that they are breaking the law. They feel that the end justifies the means. Soon, their sin finds them out. Their riches are gone. Now, they must suffer the evil consequences of their lawlessness. A life of poverty, often behind bars, is now theirs to enjoy.

I Timothy 6:9


March 29, 2018

Proverbs 28:23 – He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.


Thought: There are some things that do not seem beneficial to us, but are really good for us. Few people enjoy getting a shot. Most to not desire to have a root canal. Very few desire to have a surgery of any kind. But, all of these things usually yield positive results. The same is true of a loving, sincere, heart-felt rebuke. It hurts to hear the words. It exposes or weaknesses and faults. We feel embarrassed, exposed, shamed, and angered. But, the rebuke makes us do a self-examination. If the words are true, they make us repent. We replace the bad with things that positive. In essence, we become a better person. We come to love the one who had the courage to rebuke us.

Psalm 141:5


March 30, 2018

Proverbs 28:24 – Whoso robbeth is father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression the same is a companion of a destroyer.


Thought: Parents are individuals who have sacrificed much for their children. They provided them with a good home, food, medical care, education, opportunities, and protection. Children need to honor their parents. Some children are not appreciative. Rather than honoring their parents, they rob them blind. They take and take and take. They feel entitled to the things their parents worked hard to obtain. They have no guilt for their actions. These children are companions of robbers and thieves. They destroy just as much as the criminal. They ought to be ashamed.

Matthew 15:4


March 31, 2018

Proverbs 28:25 – He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.


Thought: The proud are arrogant and haughty. They over-stretch their importance. They want only for themselves. Their attitudes and their actions stir up strife. In opposition to the proud are those who put their trust in the Lord. These individuals are humble. They do not seek in inflate themselves. It is this person who prospers. It is the humble individual who is blessed by God.

Jeremiah 17:7-8


Read devotionals for April 2018