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Morning Bible Reading - Proverbs 15

  1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.  3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.  4 A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.  5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.  6 In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.  7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.  8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.  9 The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.  10 Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.  11 Hell and destruction [are] before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?  12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.  13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.  15 All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.  16 Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.  17 Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.  18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.  19 The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.  20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.  21 Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.  22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.  23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!  24 The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.  25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.  26 The thoughts of the wicked [are] an abomination to the LORD: but [the words] of the pure [are] pleasant words.  27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.  28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.  29 The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.  30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.  31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.  32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.  33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   8-9 The wicked put other things in the stead of Christ|s atonement, or in the place of holy obedience. Praying graces are his gift, and the work of his Spirit, with which he is well pleased. Verse 10 He that hates reproof shall perish in his sins, since he would not be parted from them. Verse 11 There is nothing that can be hid from the eyes of God, not even man|s thoughts. Verse 12 A scorner cannot bear to reflect seriously within his own heart. Verse 13 A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others. Verse 14 A wise man seeks to gain more wisdom, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. But a carnal mind rests contented, flattering itself. Verse 15 Some are much in affliction, and of a sorrowful spirit. Such are to be pitied, prayed for, and comforted. And others serve God with gladness of heart, and it prompts their obedience, yet they should rejoice with trembling.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   16-17 Believers often have enough when worldly eyes see little; the Lord is with them, without the cares, troubles, and temptations which are with the wealth of the wicked. Verse 18 He that is slow to anger, not only prevents strife, but appeases it, if kindled. Verse 19 Those who have no heart to their work, pretend that they cannot do their work without hardship and danger. And thus many live always in doubt about their state, because always in neglect of some duty. Verse 20 Those who treat an aged mother or a father with contempt or neglect, show their own folly. Verse 21 Such as are truly wise, study that their thoughts, words, and actions should be regular, sincere, and holy. Verse 22 If men will not take time and pains to deliberate, they are not likely to bring any thing to pass. Verse 23 Wisdom is needed to suit our discourse to the occasions. Verse 24 A good man sets his affections on things above; his way leads directly thither. Verse 25 Pride is the ruin of multitudes. But those who are in affliction God will support. Verse 26 The thoughts of wicked men offend Him who knows the heart. Verse 27 The covetous man lets none of his family have rest or enjoyment. And greediness of gain often tempts to projects that bring ruin. Verse 28 A good man is proved to be a wise man by this; he governs his tongue well. Verse 29 God sets himself at a distance from those who set him at defiance. Verse 30 How delightful to the humbled soul to hear the good report of salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ! Verse 31 Faithful, friendly reproofs help spiritual life, and lead to eternal life. Verse 32 Sinners undervalue their own souls; therefore they prefer the body before the soul, and wrong the soul to please the body. Verse 33 The fear of the Lord will dispose us to search the Scriptures with reverence; and it will cause us to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit. While we humbly place all our dependence on the grace of God, we are exalted in the righteousness of Christ.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   26-27 Verse 1 A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous words. Verse 2 He that has knowledge, is to use it aright, for the good of others. Verse 3 Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God|s eye. This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners. Verse 4 A good tongue is healing to wounded consciences, by comforting them; to sin-sick souls, by convincing them; and it reconciles parties at variance. Verse 5 If instruction is despised, reprove men rather than suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin. Verse 6 The wealth of worldly men increases their fears and suspicions, adds strength to their passions, and renders the fear of death more distressing. Verse 7 We use knowledge aright when we disperse it; but the heart of the foolish has nothing to disperse that is good.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 15:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 15:3-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 15:6-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 15:7-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 15:11-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 15:16-999 

Morning Bible Reading - Proverbs 16

  1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.  2 All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.  3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.  4 The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.  5 Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.  6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.  7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.  8 Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.  9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.  10 A divine sentence [is] in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.  11 A just weight and balance [are] the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag [are] his work.  12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.  13 Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.  14 The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.  15 In the light of the king’s countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.  16 How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!  17 The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.  18 Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  19 Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.  20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.  21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.  22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.  23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.  24 Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.  25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.  26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.  27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire.  28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.  29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way [that is] not good.  30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.  31 The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.  32 [He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.  33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   14-15 Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God|s favour. Verse 16 There is joy and satisfaction of spirit, only in getting wisdom. Verse 17 A sincerely religious man keeps at a distance from every appearance of evil. Happy is the man that walks in Christ, and is led by the Spirit of Christ. Verse 18 When men defy God|s judgments, and think themselves far from them, it is a sign they are at the door. Let us not fear the pride of others, but fear pride in ourselves. Verse 19 Humility, though it exposes to contempt in the world, is much better than high-spiritedness, which makes God an enemy. He that understands God|s word shall find good. Verse 21 The man whose wisdom dwells in his heart, will be found more truly prudent than many who possess shining talents. Verse 22 As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours. Verse 23 The wise man|s self-knowledge, always suggests something proper to be spoken to others. Verse 24 The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls. Verse 25 This is caution to all, to take heed of deceiving themselves as to their souls. Verse 26 We must labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life, or we must perish.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   16-17 Verse 1 The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good. Verse 2 Ignorance, pride, and self-flattery render us partial judges respecting our own conduct. Verse 3 Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him. Verse 4 God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last. Verse 5 Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God|s judgments. Verse 6 By the mercy and truth of God in Christ Jesus, the sins of believers are taken away, and the power of sin is broken. Verse 7 He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man|s enemies to be at peace with him. Verse 8 A small estate, honestly come by, will turn to better account than a great estate ill-gotten. Verse 9 If men make God|s glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace. 10. Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God. Verse 11 To observe justice in dealings between man and man is God|s appointment. Verse 12 The ruler that uses his power aright, will find that to be his best security. Verse 13 Put those in power who know how to speak to the purpose.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   27-28 Ungodly men bestow more pains to do mischief than would be needful to do good. The whisperer separates friends: what a hateful, but how common a character!

Matthew Henry Commentary:   29-30 Some do all the mischief they can by force and violence, and are blind to the result. Verse 31 Old people especially should be found in the way of religion and godliness. Verse 32 To overcome our own passions, requires more steady management, than obtaining victory over an enemy. Verse 33 All the disposal of Providence concerning our affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly. Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for he knows what is good for them.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 16:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 16:3-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 16:7-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 16:24-999 

Evening Bible Reading - 2 Corinthians 1

  1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:  2 Grace [be] to you and peace from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.  3 Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  6 And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.  7 And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.  8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:  9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:  10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];  11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.  12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.  13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;  14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.  15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;  16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.  17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?  18 But [as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.  19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, [even] by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.  20 For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.  21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God;  22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.  23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.  24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline The apostle blesses God for comfort in, and deliverance out of troubles. (1-11) He professes his own and his fellow-labourers| integrity. (12-14) Gives reasons for his not coming to them. (15-24)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-11 We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord is able to give peace to the troubled conscience, and to calm the raging passions of the soul. These blessings are given by him, as the Father of his redeemed family. It is our Saviour who says, Let not your heart be troubled. All comforts come from God, and our sweetest comforts are in him. He speaks peace to souls by granting the free remission of sins; and he comforts them by the enlivening influences of the Holy Spirit, and by the rich mercies of his grace. He is able to bind up the broken-hearted, to heal the most painful wounds, and also to give hope and joy under the heaviest sorrows. The favours God bestows on us, are not only to make us cheerful, but also that we may be useful to others. He sends comforts enough to support such as simply trust in and serve him. If we should be brought so low as to despair even of life, yet we may then trust God, who can bring back even from death. Their hope and trust were not in vain; nor shall any be ashamed who trust in the Lord. Past experiences encourage faith and hope, and lay us under obligation to trust in God for time to come. And it is our duty, not only to help one another with prayer, but in praise and thanksgiving, and thereby to make suitable returns for benefits received. Thus both trials and mercies will end in good to ourselves and others.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   12-14 Though, as a sinner, the apostle could only rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus, yet, as a believer, he might rejoice and glory in being really what he professed. Conscience witnesses concerning the steady course and tenor of the life. Thereby we may judge ourselves, and not by this or by that single act. Our conversation will be well ordered, when we live and act under such a gracious principle in the heart. Having this, we may leave our characters in the Lord|s hands, but using proper means to clear them, when the credit of the gospel, or our usefulness, calls for it.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   15-24 The apostle clears himself from the charge of levity and inconstancy, in not coming to Corinth. Good men should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons. Nothing can render God|s promises more certain: his giving them through Christ, assures us they are his promises; as the wonders God wrought in the life, resurrection, and ascension of his Son, confirm faith. The Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the gospel: the quickening of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting joy. The apostle desired to spare the blame he feared would be unavoidable, if he had gone to Corinth before he learned what effect his former letter produced. Our strength and ability are owing to faith; and our comfort and joy must flow from faith. The holy tempers and gracious fruits which attend faith, secure from delusion in so important a matter.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:3-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:4-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:5-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:11-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:12-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 2 Corinthians 1:21-999