The Lord Gives His Promise (Genesis 15)

Lesson for Dec. 11, 2011: The Lord Gives His Promise (Genesis 15)

The Lord Gives His Promise (Genesis 15)

Genesis 15King James Version (KJV)

Genesis 15

 ¹After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

 ²And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

 ³And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

 ⁴And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

 ⁵And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

 ⁶And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

 ⁷And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

 ⁸And he said, LORD God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

 ⁹And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

 ¹⁰And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

 ¹¹And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

 ¹²And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

 ¹³And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

 ¹⁴And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

 ¹⁵And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

 ¹⁶But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

 ¹⁷And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

 ¹⁸In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

 ¹⁹The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,
 ²⁰And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
 ²¹And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

Lesson for Nov. 20, 2011: Praying Sincerely (Matthew 6:1-18)

Lesson for Nov. 20, 2011: Praying Sincerely (Matthew 6:1-18)

Matthew 6:1-18 King James Version (KJV)

Matthew 6

 ¹Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 

 ²Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 

 ³But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 

 ⁴That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 

 ⁵And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 

 ⁶But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

 ⁷But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 

 ⁸Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 

 ⁹After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 

 ¹⁰Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

 ¹¹Give us this day our daily bread. 

 ¹²And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 

 ¹³And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

 ¹⁴For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 

 ¹⁵But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

 ¹⁶Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 

 ¹⁷But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 

 ¹⁸That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY – LOVING AS GOD'S PEOPLE

LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY – LOVING AS GOD'S PEOPLE

(Student's Handbook) – ----- ------------------(Teacher's Handbook)

November 13, 2011

Rev. Michael J. Hudgins

Key Verses : Matthew 5 : 44-45 King James Version (KJV)

Lesson Text 5: 38-48

44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5

 1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

 2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

 18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

 22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

 23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

 25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

 26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

 27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

 29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

 30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

 31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

 32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

 33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

 34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

 36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

 37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

 38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

one of the most famous and widely misunderstood passages of scripture. God was stating that the punishment must fit the crime for all, with no favoritism.

“If one has done something worthy of being sat down, put away, that same punishment must be applied to everyone that falls into that category. You cannot punish some for the same thing, and allow others, because you favor them, to get away. That is wrong and it is sin to God”

it is not a green light to exact personal revenge

Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

In contrast with seeking personal retribution, Jesus says the subject of God's kingdom does the opposite.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

The subject is NOT self defense, but revenge

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Galatians 5:26
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

To turn the other cheek is to trust God as Jesus does, to count on God to protect us, and to punish our enemies if that is what they deserve.

Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Zechariah 7:9
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

 40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Do the opposite of what you would normally do. Thereby glorifying God, resisting the devil and doing good...

Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

1 Chronicles 16:22
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Psalm 105:15
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

You have to, you must love all people, also remember you do not have to love the mess that they do. That is where so many get confused and get into trouble with God and allow the Devil and those that follow him to get away with (they think) their mess.

In all things be wise and get understanding

 41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

 42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Leviticus 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

This portion of scripture is perfect for this lesson and these teachings, trust not your own understanding, for it will fail you. Seek the wisdom, understanding with God and of God and these things will become more clear and you will be able to do all these things Christ commands us to do

Proverbs 25:21
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Romans 12:20
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head

 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

 48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Making sure that your heart is right with God, and that you seek daily to do His will. When we do these things, we will not have time for mess, and messy people. We will find ourselves praying more for them, that God's will be done.

Remember that God will repay them that do you wrong, trust me, He sees it all and He keeps good, accurate records and they cannot lie to God and say it is not so, for He knows the hearts and minds of all men and all women

Matthew 5:17
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Romans 12:20
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1 Peter 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Sunday School Lesson for October 30, 2011

Lesson for Oct. 30, 2011: Seeking True Happiness (Matthew 5:1-16)

Matthew 5:1-16  King James Version (KJV)

 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

• Lesson for Oct. 23, 2011: Finding True Love (Song of Solomon 4:1–5:1)
• Lesson for Oct. 16, 2011: Growing Old with Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14)
• Lesson for Oct. 9, 2011: Valuing True Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:20)
• Lesson for Oct. 2, 2011: Living an Ordered Life (Proverbs 28:1–29:27)

Lesson for October 16, 2011: Growing Old with Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14)

Ecclesiastes 11:7-12 (Amplified Bible)

⁷Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.

 

    ⁸Yes, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all; yet let him [seriously] remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. All that comes is vanity (emptiness, falsity, vainglory, and futility)!

 

    ⁹Rejoice, O young man, in your adolescence, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your [full-grown] youth. And walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

 

    ¹⁰Therefore remove [the lusts that end in] sorrow and vexation from your heart and mind and put away evil from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity [transitory, idle, empty, and devoid of truth].^(A)

   

Cross references:

1. Ecclesiastes 11:10 : II Cor 7:1; II Tim 2:22



St. Augusta Missionary Baptist Church Virtual Sunday School

Lesson for Sept. 18, 2011: Teaching Values (Proverbs 10:1–15:33)

St. Augusta MBC Virtual Sunday School Facebook Page

Proverbs 10

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Proverbs 10

 ¹THE PROVERBS of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish and self-confident son is the grief of his mother.

    ²Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) delivers from death.

    ³The Lord will not allow the [uncompromisingly] righteous to famish, but He thwarts the desire of the wicked.^(A)

    ⁴He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

    ⁵He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

    ⁶Blessings are upon the head of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

    ⁷The memory of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot.^(B)

    ⁸The wise in heart will accept and obey commandments, but the foolish of lips will fall headlong.

    ⁹He who walks uprightly walks securely, but he who takes a crooked way shall be found out and punished.

    ¹⁰He who winks with the eye [craftily and with malice] causes sorrow; the foolish of lips will fall headlong but ^[a]he who boldly reproves makes peace.

    ¹¹The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous man is a well of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

    ¹²Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions.

    ¹³On the lips of him who has discernment skillful and godly ^[b]Wisdom is found, but discipline and the rod are for the back of him who is without sense and understanding.

    ¹⁴Wise men store up knowledge [in mind and heart], but the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.

    ¹⁵The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.^(C)

    ¹⁶The earnings of the righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) lead to life, but the profit of the wicked leads to further sin.^(D)

    ¹⁷He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.

    ¹⁸He who hides hatred is of lying lips, and he who utters slander is a [self-confident] fool.^(E)

    ¹⁹In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.

    ²⁰The tongues of those who are upright and in right standing with God are as choice silver; the minds of those who are wicked and out of harmony with God are of little value.

    ²¹The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous feed and guide many, but fools die for want of understanding and heart.

    ²²The blessing of the Lord--it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].

    ²³It is as sport to a [self-confident] fool to do wickedness, but to have skillful and godly Wisdom is pleasure and relaxation to a man of understanding.

    ²⁴The thing a wicked man fears shall come upon him, but the desire of the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be granted.

    ²⁵When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous have an everlasting foundation.^(F)

    ²⁶As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who employ and send him.

    ²⁷The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord prolongs one's days, but the years of the wicked shall be made short.

    ²⁸The hope of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked (those who are out of harmony with God) comes to nothing.

    ²⁹The way of the Lord is strength and a stronghold to the upright, but it is destruction to the workers of iniquity.

    ³⁰The [consistently] righteous shall never be removed, but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth [eventually].^(G)

    ³¹The mouths of the righteous (those harmonious with God) bring forth skillful and godly Wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut down [like a barren and rotten tree].

    ³²The lips of the [uncompromisingly] righteous know [and therefore utter] what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked knows [and therefore speaks only] what is obstinately willful and contrary.

   

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 10:10 The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) so reads at this point.
2. Proverbs 10:13 Recall that "Wisdom" is capitalized throughout the book of Proverbs as a reminder of its divine implications. See footnotes on Prov. 1:2 and Prov. 1:20.

Cross references:

1. Proverbs 10:3 : Ps 34:9, 10; 37:25
2. Proverbs 10:7 : Ps 112:6; 9:5
3. Proverbs 10:15 : Ps 52:7; I Tim 6:17
4. Proverbs 10:16 : Rom 6:21; I Tim 6:10
5. Proverbs 10:18 : Prov 26:24-26
6. Proverbs 10:25 : Ps 125:1; Matt 7:24-27
7. Proverbs 10:30 : Ps 37:22; 125:1

Lesson for Sept. 18, 2011: Teaching Values (Proverbs 10:1–15:33)

Lesson for Sept. 18, 2011: Teaching Values (Proverbs 10:1–15:33)

Proverbs 10

King James Version (KJV)

Proverbs 10

 ¹The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
 ²Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
 ³The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
 ⁴He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
 ⁵He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
 ⁶Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
 ⁷The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
 ⁸The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
 ⁹He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
 ¹⁰He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
 ¹¹The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
 ¹²Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
 ¹³In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
 ¹⁴Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
 ¹⁵The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
 ¹⁶The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
 ¹⁷He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
 ¹⁸He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
 ¹⁹In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
 ²⁰The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
 ²¹The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
 ²²The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
 ²³It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
 ²⁴The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
 ²⁵As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
 ²⁶As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
 ²⁷The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
 ²⁸The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
 ²⁹The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
 ³⁰The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
 ³¹The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
 ³²The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

Lesson for Sept. 4, 2011: Pursuing Righteousness

Biblegateway.com Proverbs 3 Amplified Bible

Proverbs 3 (King James Version)

Proverbs 3 King James Version (KJV)

 ¹My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

 ²For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

 

 ³Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

 ⁴So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

 

 ⁵Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

 ⁷Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 ⁸It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

 

 ⁹Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

 

 ¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

 ¹¹My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

 

 ¹²For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

 ¹³Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

 

 ¹⁴For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

 ¹⁵She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

 

 ¹⁶Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

 ¹⁷Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

 

 ¹⁸She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

 ¹⁹The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

 

 ²⁰By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

 ²¹My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

 

 ²²So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

 ²³Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

 

 ²⁴When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

 ²⁵Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

 

 ²⁶For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

 ²⁷Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

 

 ²⁸Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

 ²⁹Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

 

 ³⁰Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

 ³¹Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

 

 ³²For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

 ³³The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

 

 ³⁴Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

 ³⁵The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.



Lesson for Sept. 4, 2011: Pursuing Righteousness (Proverbs 3)

St Augusta Missionary Baptist Church Virtual Sunday School

Proverbs 3 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Proverbs 3

 ¹MY SON, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;

 

    ²For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you.

 

    ³Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart.^(A)

 

    ⁴So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man.^(B)

 

    ⁵Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

 

    ⁶In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

 

    ⁷Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil.^(C)

 

    ⁸It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.

 

    ⁹Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income;^(D)

 

    ¹⁰So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.^(E)

 

    ¹¹My son, do not despise or shrink from the chastening of the Lord [His correction by punishment or by subjection to suffering or trial]; neither be weary of or impatient about or loathe or abhor His reproof,^(F)

 

    ¹²For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

 

    ¹³Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God's Word and life's experiences],

 

    ¹⁴For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit of it better than fine gold.

 

    ¹⁵Skillful and godly ^[a]Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her.^(G)

 

    ¹⁶Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor.^(H)

 

    ¹⁷Her ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

 

    ¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her; and happy (blessed, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who holds her fast.

 

    ¹⁹The Lord by skillful and godly Wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding He has established the heavens.^(I)

 

    ²⁰By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies distill the dew.

 

    ²¹My son, let them not escape from your sight, but keep sound and godly Wisdom and discretion,

 

    ²²And they will be life to your inner self, and a gracious ornament to your neck (your outer self).

 

    ²³Then you will walk in your way securely and in confident trust, and you shall not dash your foot or stumble.^(J)

 

    ²⁴When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.

 

    ²⁵Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless],

 

    ²⁶For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger].

 

    ²⁷Withhold not good from those to whom it is due [its rightful owners], when it is in the power of your hand to do it.^(K)

 

    ²⁸Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again; and tomorrow I will give it--when you have it with you.^(L)

 

    ²⁹Do not contrive or dig up or cultivate evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly and confidently beside you.

 

    ³⁰Contend not with a man for no reason--when he has done you no wrong.^(M)

 

    ³¹Do not resentfully envy and be jealous of an unscrupulous, grasping man, and choose none of his ways.^(N)

    ³²For the perverse are an abomination [extremely disgusting and detestable] to the Lord; but His confidential communion and secret counsel are with the [uncompromisingly] righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him).^(O)

 

    ³³The curse of the Lord is in and on the house of the wicked, but He declares blessed (joyful and favored with blessings) the home of the just and consistently righteous.^(P)

 

    ³⁴Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His undeserved favor to the low [in rank], the humble, and the afflicted.^(Q)

 

    ³⁵The wise shall inherit glory (all honor and good) but shame is the highest rank conferred on [self-confident] fools.^(R)

   

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 3:15 See footnote on Prov. 1:20.

Cross references:

1. Proverbs 3:3 : Col 3:9-12
2. Proverbs 3:4 : Luke 2:52
3. Proverbs 3:7 : Prov 8:13
4. Proverbs 3:9 : Deut 26:2; Mal 3:10; Luke 14:13, 14
5. Proverbs 3:10 : Deut 28:8
6. Proverbs 3:11 : Ps 94:12; Heb 12:5, 6; Rev 3:19
7. Proverbs 3:15 : Job 28:12-18
8. Proverbs 3:16 : Prov 8:12-21; I Tim 4:8
9. Proverbs 3:19 : Col 1:16
10. Proverbs 3:23 : Ps 91:11, 12; Prov 10:9
11. Proverbs 3:27 : Rom 13:7; Gal 6:10
12. Proverbs 3:28 : Lev 19:13; Deut 24:15
13. Proverbs 3:30 : Rom 12:18
14. Proverbs 3:31 : Ps 37:1; 73:3; Prov 24:1
15. Proverbs 3:32 : Ps 25:14
16. Proverbs 3:33 : Ps 37:22; Zech 5:4; Mal 2:2
17. Proverbs 3:34 : James 4:6; I Pet 5:5
18. Proverbs 3:35 : Isa 32:6