Verse of the Day: (25:2) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
1.The Glory of God (25:1-10)
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. (25:5)
God’s glory is for men to diligently seek and search Him and His Word, so that we shall know Him, and make Him known to the world, that Jesus, His only begotten Son, truly saves. Indeed, God’s blessings are only upon His kings and people who believe in Him, and who live righteously and humbly before Him, while His judgment and punishment are upon those who are wicked and proud. Let us trust and serve our God to the praise of His glory, as He seals us with His Holy Spirit of promise now and forever. (Ephesians 1)
2.The Gold Of God (25:11-28)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (25:11)
God’s Word is like apples of gold in pictures of silver encouraging and edifying men to believe and trust in Him, so that we be loving and caring for others, for His glory and praise. Let us flee from covetousness, and be contented with God and His Word. Let us be humble, considerate, truthful and faithful to God, and love our enemies as ourselves. Indeed, let us be vigilant and careful with our words and lives, that the trial of our faith in Jesus Christ, which is much more precious than pure gold that shall perish, tried with the furnace of fire, shall be found to His praise, honour and glory at His appearing. (1 Peter 1)
3.The Greatness Of God (26:1-28)
The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. (26:10)
Be not deceived, the great God is not mocked, as we shall reap what you sow, and let us keep on loving, trusting and serving Him to the end. (Galatians 6) Though it seems like snow in summer, rain in harvest, and a fool gets his honour, yet one day, God shall make all things good and beautiful in His perfect time. Let us never envy sinners, and fret over injustice, as one day, God shall judge and punish the wicked, and justice shall prevail forever. Let us be wise in handling the fools and wicked, and only speak and reason with them if God permits, otherwise, leave them alone, and pray for their salvation and repentance. Let us believe that God is able to convert and transform our lives and hearts from evil and wickedness to that of holiness and righteousness for His glory and praise. Indeed, let us live soberly, righteously and godly, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, knowing that our labour is never in vain, as He shall bless and reward us in His heavenly kingdom. (Titus 2)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to truly live and serve You for Your glory and praise.
Verse of the Day: (23:11) For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
1.The Ruler (23:1-9)
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: (23:1)
Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This is Jesus’ warning, as we live in this world of lies and deceits. (Matthew 10:16) King Solomon of Israel, inspired by the Holy Spirit, warned Israel and Christians today, to be wise when we are with our rulers, as we really do not know what are in their hearts and minds. Let us therefore pray for our leaders our country, organisations, church and even family, that they truly believe in the Redeemer Jesus Christ, and seek for the good of their people and loved ones. While the world may seek fame and fortune which like the eagles that will fly away and vanish in thin air, let us as God’s people seek after His righteousness, submitting to authority, owing no man anything, and obeying His commandments now and forever. (Romans 13)
2.The Redeemer (23:10-35)
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. (23:12)
God through Solomon, prophesied the coming of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, who shall live, minister and eventually die for the sins of the whole world that whoever believes in Him shall never perish in hell, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven. Let us thank our mighty King Jesus who redeemed us by His precious blood so that we are made as God’s kings and priests, and one day, we shall worship, serve as well as rule with Him in His glorious heaven. Indeed, let us apply our hearts to God and His Word, fear and obey His commandments, honouring our parents, loving and disciplining our children, and fleeing from immorality and drunkenness. (Revelation 5)
3.The Righteous (24:1-34)
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: (24:15)
God through Solomon reminds us not to envy the wicked, although they seem to enjoy their lives on earth, but one day, they shall suffer in the devil’s burning hell forever if they refuse to believe in God and repent of their sins. Though we are suffering almost like hell on earth for God and His ministry, let us rejoice always knowing that one day, we shall enjoy His pearly heaven with Him forever. Indeed, the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, His ears are opened to their prayers, and His face is against the wicked. Though we may fall many times, let us keep rising up, knowing that our God is with us now and forever. Let us therefore be righteous, diligent and zealous in everything we do, especially in God’s ministry, and truly love and pray for our enemies, that one day, they shall believe in and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Redeemer and Ruler. (1 Peter 3)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for redeeming my soul from fiery hell to Your great heaven.
Verse of the Day: (21:1) The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
1.The King’s heart (21:1-29)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. (21:2)
Many times we think we are in full control of our lives, until crises or tragedies happened to us that we realised that we are really helpless, and never in control of anything. King Solomon of Israel, the wisest and richest leader of the world at that time, penned these proverbs, inspired by God, after all the crises that happened in his life that he realised that his heart and life were truly in God’s sovereign and powerful yet invisible hand, just like the powerful rushing rivers of water that rapidly turned and flowed along the banks according to where God leads. Indeed, let us, especially God’s leaders, draw near to God with a true and sincere heart, and fully submit and surrender to His perfect and excellent will, and keep loving and encouraging one another, and sharing the precious gospel, that Jesus truly saves, and looking forward to His glorious return. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
2.The King’s Horse (21:30-31)
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. (21:31)
It is great to plan for our future, and the future of our organisation, nation and even church, with a 5-year or 10-year strategic plan, but let us keep reminding ourselves that ultimately it must be God’s sovereign will. Solomon as a great king and wise commander appreciated the strategic and detailed preparation and planning of battle plans that include his soldiers, weapons, chariots, horses, logistic supply, etc., for impending invasion and attacks from his enemies, yet he also fully understood that safety and victory is of and from his God of Israel. Let us be prepared for crises and challenges, but let us also keep trusting God knowing that He shall lead, guide and provide for us now and forever. Indeed, one day, Jesus Christ shall victoriously return on His white horse as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS and with His heavenly armies on white horses, He shall finally judge and punish the devil, his demons and the wicked ones once and for all, and eternally condemned them into burning hell and the lake of fire. (Revelation 19-20)
3.The King’s humility (22:1-29)
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. (22:4)
The conclusion of the whole matter is to humble ourselves before God, and fear Him, and He shall bless and reward us with His riches, honour and life. Let us therefore love and serve our God with all humility, and even with tears and temptations, sharing the precious gospel, knowing that one day He shall reward us in His glorious kingdom. (Acts 20:17-21)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to seek after Your heart and humility for Your honour.
Verse of the Day: (20:2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
1.The Kind (19:1-29)
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. (19:22)
It is a masterstroke of King Solomon of Israel, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to write on leadership, as it is paramount for the success of kingdoms, nations, organisations, and particularly, God’s churches. At the end of Solomon’s life, he realised what truly mattered to God and Israel, were his kindness and integrity in his leadership, rather than his fame and fortune. Let us thus as God’s people, and especially, His leaders, look to Jesus, who is the best and excellent example of kindness, mercy and truth. (Luke 6:35-36)
2.The King (20:1-14)
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. (20:8)
The key attribute of a great king and leader is that he is firm yet sweet. Firm enough that his people are fearful of him when they make mistakes, while sweet enough to still love and care for them. During the time of King Solomon, the kings had the authority and power not only to lead and rule, but they are empowered to judge and punish the criminals. Today, some of the political leaders of the world have the authority to lead and judge, while others only have the power to lead, as the judiciary is independent of politics. In the church, the pastors are called to lead as well as discipline their flock according to God’s Word, so that there is peace and order among them. As God’s people, and in particular, His ordained leaders, God warns us never to be under the influence and control of alcohol and vices, but to truly pursue after His holiness and righteousness. Indeed, let us be vigilant as well as diligent in sharing the gospel that only Jesus saves, because He is coming soon, and this time He shall not come to this earth as a Saviour to die on the cruel cross shedding His precious blood for the sins of the whole world, but as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS to fight and subdue the devil, his demons and the wicked, and He shall then rule His heavenly kingdom for all eternity. (Revelation 19-22)
3.The Knowledgeable (20:15-30)
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (20:15)
At the end of Solomon’s life, he reckoned that God and His wisdom and knowledge were far more precious than gold, silver, rubies and jewels that he had amassed all his life. Let us therefore grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and His Word, and glorify, magnify and please His holy name now and forever. (2 Peter 3:17-18)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be a kind and knowledgeable leader for Your praise.
Verse of the Day: (17:6) Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
1.The Father (17:1-16)
A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. (17:2)
Fathers, are you the glory of your children? If they are proud of you, especially when you are a godly and loving father who loves God, your wife, and children, and others, including your enemies, then you are indeed a real joy and blessing to all. However, if your children are ashamed of you, please ponder and reflect upon your life. Do you know the gospel, that God loves you that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you, as well as the sins of the whole world? When you believe in and receive Jesus as your personal Saviour in your heart, you are then called His children. Indeed, our children and grandchildren are our crowns and joy, and let us love, pray for, and lead them to the saving grace of Jesus. However, it grieves and saddens us if our children and loved ones keep rejecting the gospel, but let us not quit, but keep praying for them, that one day, they shall finally believe in Jesus, and we shall all be called God’s children, and joint-heirs with Christ, and we shall then call our God, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14-17)
2.The Friend (17:17-28)
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (17:17)
Do you have a friend who is closer than your brother? Indeed, when we receive Jesus as our personal Saviour, sometimes our Christian friends become closer to us than our siblings, especially when our siblings have yet to believe in Jesus. Indeed, our godly friends will stick close with us through thick and thin. Let us stay close to God, and be friendly to all, and we will have many friends who will fellowship and pray with us, and together we will share the gospel, and love and serve Him. However, we will soon realise that not all our friends are faithful, and some or many may fail, and even betray us. However, there is one Friend who will stay with us forever, and He is none other than Jesus. Let us be Jesus’ friends, as He is our faithful and perfect Friend. (James 2:23-26)
3.The Fool (18:1-24)
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. (18:2)
Have you ever encounter a fool? A fool will shame himself with his careless words and deeds. Let us only be wise in God, and we shall be great blessings to all. A fool may think he is wise, and the world may think us as fools when we believe in God. However, Let us rather be fools for God, and have a hell to shun, and a heaven to gain, than to be wise in this world and eventually suffer in the devil’s hell forever. (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be a godly father who truly loves my children and all.
Verse of the Day: (15:8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
1.The Delight Of God (15:1-24)
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. (15:16)
The greatest delight of God is that His people, who are called by His name, live up to His attributes of uprightness and holiness. God delights in the prayer of those who fear and obey Him even when we are poor, but He will judge and punish those who are evil and wicked though they are rich. Let us be careful with our words that they are encouraging and edifying to others, and be slow to anger, and always ready to forgive, and be reconciled with others, as God has loved and forgiven us, and reconciled us to Him. Let us live peacefully with all, including our enemies. Let us embrace and endure God’s rebuke and discipline though they are painful and hurtful, as they are necessary and essential in building up our uprightness and holiness. Let us flee from hypocrisy and wickedness, and follow after God’s uprightness and holiness. Indeed, God shall hear our prayer, and save our souls, and deliver us from all temptations and tribulations, when we believe and trust in Him, and live upright and holy lives. Let us truly delight in and obey God and His Word, and He shall delight in our prayer and faith in Him. (Romans 7:22-25)
2.The Destruction Of God (15:25-33)
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. (15:25)
God through King Solomon of Israel commands Israel and Christians today, that we fear Him, and humble ourselves before Him, and help the poor and the widows, that we may please and glorify His name. God shall judge and destroy the proud and wicked, because they are the enemies of the cross of Christ as they reject Him as their Saviour. Let us therefore humble ourselves before God, and believe, and fear Him. (Philippians 3:17-21)
3.The Direction of God (16:1-33)
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. (16:9)
God’s delight in us when we commit our lives to Him, and let Him direct our ways and words for His glory and praise. Indeed, when we let God have His ways, He shall make even our enemies to be at peace with us. However, God hates those who choose to walk in their own ways, and subsequently, He shall judge and destroy them in the devil’s burning hell. Let us thus trust and obey God, and He shall increase and abound in us with His everlasting love, so that we will love all, including our enemies, and ultimately He shall direct and lead us to His pearly heaven for all eternity. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to win Your delight by trusting and obeying You.
Verse of the Day: (14:5) A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
1.The Wise (13:1-25)
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. (13:1)
It is the prayer and joy of all Christian parents that our children believe in and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, and one day, they shall be with us and the Lord Jesus Christ in glorious heaven forever. God through King Solomon of Israel commands Israel and Christians that His richest blessings and benefits shall be upon us when we honour and obey our parents, as well as, all His commandments and instructions. Let us therefore walk with wise men who truly love, fear and obey God and His commandments, and honour our God as well as our parents as they especially our wise God and heavenly Father, love us, and desire the best for us now and forever. (Jude 24-25)
2.The Witness (14:1-31)
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. (14:25)
Our Maker, God, commands His people who believe in Him, not only to be wise, but to be truthful and godly witnesses for Him, fleeing from lies and wickedness, and telling and living in the truth for His glory, honour and praise. Let us watch our words that they be wise, truthful, encouraging and edifying to the souls that all who hear us will come to know our God. Let us be quick to hear, slow to speak and get angry, so that we can truly reflect God’s love, grace and mercy in us. Let us help the poor and the needy, and be great blessings to all. Indeed, let us be God’s truthful witnesses sharing His gospel, that Jesus saves, in our community, city, country, neighbouring countries, and to the uttermost part of the earth, that all shall come to know His saving grace, and His miraculous deliverance of our precious souls from the devil’s hell to His glorious heaven. (Acts 1:1-8)
3.The Wicked (14:32-35)
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. (14:32)
At the end of the day, God shall judge and punish the wicked and the fools in the devil’s burning hell, because of their sins of unbelief, as they have rejected and rebelled against Him, their Maker and Saviour, and have chosen to follow the Wicked, Satan or the devil. Indeed, God’s desire is for all to come to know Him, and make Him known to the world. However, God creates us in His image with our own decision making process where we will bear the consequences of our choices. Let us therefore be wise and choose to believe in and receive Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and King, and we shall be His faithful and truthful witnesses, having that blessed hope of the glorious day, when we shall meet Him and all our loved ones who believe in Him, in His pearly heaven. (2 Thessalonians 2)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be Your wise witness by sharing Your blessed gospel.
Verse of the Day: (11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
1.Secrets (11:1-29)
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (11:13)
What is the test of one’s spirituality? He is able to keep secrets. King Solomon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, commanded the people of Israel, as well as, Christians today, to do what is right before God, and especially to watch our words, and keep secrets. Our words have caused us to lose our credibility and testimony, and even bring shame to our God. Indeed, only God can judge man, including our secrets, because He is our Creator. Let us trust in Jesus, and keep secrets, and share His gospel that He can save all souls from the devil’s hell, and one day, He shall promote our souls to His glorious heaven. (Romans 2)
2.Souls (11:30-31)
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. (11:31)
God through Solomon commanded His people to win souls for Him that all shall believe in and receive Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, as their personal Saviour and Lord, and they shall have His pearly heaven to gain and the devil’s hell to shun. Though the wicked may seem to enjoy their lives on earth, but this is only as far as they can taste God’s heaven, because when they die, they shall suffer in the devil’s hell forever. Though Christians may seem to suffer and taste a little bit of hell, yet when we die, we shall be with God, and enjoy Him in His heaven forever. Indeed, God shall bless and reward us who are wise, as we win souls for Him, and are even willing to die as His witnesses and for His Word, and our souls shall be saved from the lake of fire, and our names be written on His book of life, and we shall be transported to His glorious heaven. (Revelation 20)
3.Servant (12:1-28)
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. (12:9)
God reminds His people that there is nothing wrong in being rich, but what He hates most is pride. The world may despise us for being rich with all the servants and houses, for whatever reasons, but God shall bless us when we believe in and obey Him. However, God hates the proud who boast about themselves, and whether we are rich or poor, we must humble ourselves, and believe in Jesus, the Son of God, who humbled Himself by leaving the splendour of heaven to be on earth serving men, and subsequently He died for the sins of the whole world. On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, conquering death, and whoever believes in Him, shall live with Him forever in heaven. (Mark 10:35-45)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be Your soul winner for Your glory and praise.
Verse of the Day: (10:3)The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
1.The Rebuke (9:1-18)
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. (9:8)
God, through King Solomon of Israel, invites all His people to come to His house of wisdom to hear His Word, where we shall learn to believe in, fear and obey Him, living holy lives for His glory, praise and honour. However, many refuse to believe in God, and instead they reject Him, and choose to believe in themselves indulging in their sins. Let us accept God’s invitation, and believe in and fear Him, seeking His wisdom, and taking heed to His rebuke and admonition, and confessing and repenting our sins. Indeed, God truly loves us, and He seeks to feed and nourish our hungry souls, helping us to grow in His grace and knowledge, and blessing us with His peace and joy. (Revelation 3:14-22)
2.The Righteous (10:1-14)
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (10:11)
Solomon learned the hard way as he strayed away from God and His wisdom, and followed after his own understanding, indulging in his lust and pride, and eventually he reaped the dire consequences of his sins. At the zenith of his power, many dignitaries from all over the world, called on him to hear his wise sayings. Alas, when he fell from God’s grace, no one called on him, and he was left out in the cold. Let us therefore seek God and His righteousness, and continue in His righteousness, and those who are wicked shall continue in their wickedness, unless they believe in Him, and repent of their wickedness. Indeed, let us share God’s wisdom and gospel, so that whoever truly believes in Him, shall have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven. (Revelation 22:10-21)
3.The Rich (10:15-32)
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. (10:15)
Solomon realised God’s paradox of life, as when he was rich in material possessions, his soul was actually in poverty as he sinned against Him, while those who believed in and obeyed Him, though they were poor in material possessions, yet they were rich in His spiritual blessings. Indeed, a man’s life is only measured by God’s spiritual blessings, and never by the abundance of his wealth and material possessions. Whether we are rich or poor, let us strive only to be rich in God by truly investing in His Word, wisdom and works, so that we shall receive His spiritual blessings now and forever. (Luke 12:13-21)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be rich in You by truly investing in Your wisdom.
Verse of the Day: (8:19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
1.The Goodman (7:1-27)
For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: (7:19)
One of the sins that has caused many people from all walks of life, including Christians, and even faithful pastors and missionaries, to fall from grace, is the fatal sin of immorality. It comes in a subtle and sublime way, but it destroys with great tragedy and trauma, that will last for a long time, and even for many, a lifetime of regrets and remorse. This is why the holy God, through King Solomon of Israel, commanded the people at that time, and even Christians today, to flee from the sight of lust and immorality, and pursue after Him and His holiness. Indeed, let us treasure and appreciate our goodmen or masters or husbands, and also our wives, as they are truly God’s good gifts to us. (Mark 14:12-21)
2.The Gates (8:1-9)
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. (8:3)
During the Old as well as the New Testament era, the wise leaders of the communities would usually gather at their gates, which were like large courtrooms, discussing outstanding and pertinent issues, as well as, screening through visitors coming into their cities or towns, ensuring that they were not bad element attempting to create trouble. Indeed, let us gather at the gates of God, His Word, and hear His wisdom and instructions, and believe and trust in Him, and one day, we shall shun the devil’s burning hell, and enter the pearly gates, and into His holy and heavenly city. (Revelation 22:14-21)
3.The Gold (8:10-36)
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (8:10)
At the end of Solomon’s life, he fully understood that God’s wisdom is more precious than man’s wisdom, and even more precious than the splendid rubies, choice silver and fine gold. In this world, the relentless pursuit of gold is the ultimate mark of a successful man, and especially at this point of time, amid the unparalleled and unprecedented pandemic Covid 19, where the value of money is losing its shine because the world is suffering from one of the worst recessions since the 1930s. God, through Solomon, commanded Israel, and the Christians today, to seek Him and His wisdom, and to love and fear Him, and flee from pride, evil and wickedness. Indeed, when we believe in Jesus, we shall, one day, enter the gates into heaven to meet Him as well as our loved ones who have gone ahead of us. There shall be no more pain, sorrow, crying or death, and we shall walk on the streets of gold, admiring the gates, walls, foundations and city of precious stones and pure gold, worshipping and serving God for all eternity. (Revelation 21-22)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to pursue Your wisdom as it is more precious than gold.
