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PROPER USE OF THE TONGUE A second area wherein inspired wisdom’s counsel can help us to avoid unnecessary suffering in life is regarding the proper use of the tongue. Speaking out of turn, harsh tones, gossip, and discouraging words can all lead to needless troubles. Whispering and rumor-mongering have been the genesis of human tragedy throughout history. Gossip not only puts one’s soul in jeopardy (Proverbs 6:17-19), it brings about suffering to both the innocent and guilty. Solomon noted, “A…

The word of God not only teaches us how to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 1:11-12), but also how to avoid unnecessary suffering. The Bible guides us practically as much as spiritually. A man who knows and walks in the wisdom of God not only has the hope and expectation of eternal life, he also lives a life of abundant joy on this earth (cf. John 10:10; Psalms 23). The book of Proverbs is as practical as the Psalms…

Various factors distinguish people; humanity naturally divides by gender and geographic origin, and social distinctions such as wealth, education, religion, politics, and social status also set apart peoples and nations. However, two factors serve as equalizers. These equalizers remove all class and distinction from humanity. Death is often referred to as the great equalizer. It is the appointment all living will one day keep (Hebrews 9:27). God declared, and the wise man observed, man’s body shall return to the dust…

In Acts chapter eight, we learn of the evangelist Philip’s interaction with an Ethiopian man whose curiosity was sparked by Isaiah’s writings about the silent sufferer in Isaiah 53. Beginning from this Scripture, Philip “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). First, Isaiah revealed that the word that best describes the man of Isaiah 53 is “insignificant.” Humanity was unimpressed as they beheld this “tender plant,” “a root out of a dry ground,” one who had “no form or comeliness” and…

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pt. 3:9). There is little that is more disheartening than a broken promise. Nevertheless, when a man makes a promise, there is always a chance that the promise will not be kept. A promise is made, but in time it is forgotten. A promise is made and a…

The Urgency of Restoration There will always be the need to speak to wayward brethren, urging them to reunite with their God. There are numerous passages in the New Testament that stress this concept. For instance, the book of Galatians is an appeal for restoration. Though the recipients of the letter had entered a relationship with Christ through their obedience to the gospel (Gal. 3:26-27), false teachers had arisen who were leading them away from the truth to “another gospel,”…

Few things in life are guaranteed. But with great confidence, we can be assured of struggles and difficulties. Job lamented, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Solomon reflected: “For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night.…

Early in his life, George Washington was stationed at Alexandria with a regiment under his command. On one occasion, he became incensed about the outcome of an election that he made an offensive comment to a Mr. Payne. In response, Payne struck Washington with his cane knocking him to the ground. When Washington’s soldiers heard of the infraction they immediately started for the city to take revenge for their commander. Washington met them on the road and convinced them to…

So much controversy, so much conflict! To answer the division present in the Lord’s church today, many are calling for Biblical balance. I am sure some who are asking for balance actually mean, “There should be less preaching that expects me to change and more preaching that makes me feel good.” Others mean, “Let’s change the truth slightly so that it’s easier to digest.” Neither of these positions should be supported because they show a lack of concern for God’s…

There is a story of three little boys. They all three played baseball and they had the same coach. Two of the boys were on the field practicing while the third was sitting on the ground, slacking off and not practicing. The coach watched all three of them and came up to the two boys practicing and told them what they were doing wrong. He critiqued them on their form, how they threw the ball, and how they hit the…

Have you ever heard of the Memorial Audio Reproduction System? I would suppose you have not, but then few have. According to its patent (U. S. patent number 4,169,970), it is summarized as follows: “An audio reproduction system is provided for use in conjunction with a tombstone for the repeated play-back, upon activation, of a prerecorded message.” In other words, before you decease, you can make an audio recording of yourself (up to two hours long). The recording is stored…

Each time you pick up your Bible, you hold within your hands something far more powerful than a nuclear weapon (Heb. 4:12), something far more valuable than the rarest diamond (Ps. 119:72), and something far more enduring than the best constructed building (1 Pet. 1:25). God’s Word is a blessing which we should value greatly. It commands our utmost adoration and respect. Such an attitude is vividly on display in the 119th Psalm. Psalm 119 is a treasure chest of…