Short Reflection from Ecclesiastes 1-12

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (OVU) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[9:16 pm, 03/06/2022] S.R: 𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙:𝟙𝟜

"I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind."

Reputation, Achievement, Success, Legacy, and even Pleasure are all in vain if we are never found in God

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟚:𝟙𝟘

"All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor."

This preacher had tried everything imaginable and concluded that everything we do, have, and desire is vanity under the sun.

So, I don't need to be envious of Elon Musk, Einstein, or Alexander!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟛:𝟙𝟞

"Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness."

What to do in this fallen world! It shall always be. And life has to be hard.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟜:𝟙𝟛

"A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction."

Beloved, let's be teachable people!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟝:𝟙𝟘

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity."

Let's not be materialistic, let's be rich in good works too!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟞:𝟟

"All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied."

While others are looking for good food, millions are working even for a basic meal!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟟:𝟚𝟙-𝟚𝟚

"Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others."

Let's be kind to those who gossip about us.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟠:𝟙𝟚

"Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly."

Do not be envious of the wicked. Do not pity yourself seeing the prosperity of the wicked. Do not fret. Do not be intimidated.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟡:𝟙𝟞

“So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded.”

That's why we need to have some money to be heard!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙𝟘:𝟚𝟘

"Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known."

Indeed, it's better to not raise a fight we cannot win.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙𝟙:𝟡

"Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things."

People say, "Follow your heart."

The Bible doesn't forget to warn about the coming judgment.

 

[2:26 pm, 14/06/2022] S.R: 𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙𝟚:𝟙𝟛

"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person."

Exactly the opposite of what the world wants.

They don't want the fear of God. They don't want the commandments of God. They don't fear God. They don't obey God. They don't even care to know who God is and what He says.

But this is what humans must do

Short Reflection from Proverbs 1-31

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (DRU-JK) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[7:50 pm, 12/02/2022] S.R: ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙:𝟝

"A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel."

That's why I keep reading books, keep listening to lectures, keep having conversations with others because I want to be a wise man!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚:𝟜-𝟝

"If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God."

No pain, no gain

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟛:𝟙𝟝-𝟙𝟠

"She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast."

Men, this is a perfect passage to text to your darling this Valentine's Day, right? Actually, No 😬😂 This is not about a girl. It's about Wisdom! But you got the point, right? Cherish Wisdom as you would with the most beautiful women.

Ladies, the same to you. Wisdom is better!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟜:𝟙𝟠-𝟙𝟡

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day."

"The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble."

Well, I have no grey hair nor am Billy Graham, but I have walked with Christ for more than a decade, and I affirm that it's more safe to be righteous than to be wicked!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟝:𝟙𝟠

"Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth."

Be committed to one woman. Be committed to one man!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟞:𝟡-𝟙𝟙

“How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest"-- Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man.”

If you aren't aware of it, there's such passage in the Bible (Proverbs). If you know, it's good to be reminded of especially this morning! Sometimes we hesitate because we are lazy. Sometimes because we are tired. Sometimes because we are afraid/ timid/ a coward/. Sometimes because we are arrogant/ postponing/ overconfident.

Arrogance, Ignorance, and Cowardice are the friends of Poverty. They are the servants of the ancient Serpent, Satan.

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟟:𝟜-𝟝

"Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your intimate friend; That they may keep you from an adulteress, From the foreigner who flatters with her words."

The Bible is most serious about idolatry and immorality. Sexual Immorality is heavily warned against!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟠:𝟛𝟝

"For he who finds me finds life And obtains favor from the LORD."

𝕎𝕚𝕤𝕕𝕠𝕞 ➡️ 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟡:𝟡

"Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning."

Smart people keep learning and want to keep learning! 😎

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟘:𝟛

"The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will reject the craving of the wicked."

For me, this is very timely to read now. It's God who owns everything after all!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟙:𝟚𝟚

"As a ring of gold in a swine's snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion."

I have seen silver and bronze and gold rings in many swines' snouts. 😬😂

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟚:𝟙𝟘

"A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel."

Do you have pet animals? Put this verse around their neck.

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟛:𝟙𝟠

"Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored."

This proverb mirrors my soul today! Lord, mercy, mercy!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟜:𝟚𝟙

"He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor."

Not to 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 down on the poor people. 🙂

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟝:𝟛

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good."

God sees what's going on in Ukraine. He knows how to protect His people! He sees Putin as well. He sees me and you too!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟞:𝟜

"The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil."

Indeed, God has a plan for each one of us. Nobody's independent!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟟:𝟡-𝟙𝟘

"He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends."

"A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool."

There's a time to overlook and a time to scrutinize.

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟠:𝟚𝟚

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD."

Time to find a wife, huh! 😃

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟙𝟡:𝟙𝟜

"House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. "

While the previous chapter directs a man to find a wife, this chapter reminds a man that it's God who gives a prudent wife!

Make sure the woman you are about to marry is a prudent woman. Such woman is better than a house, wealth, and any kind of inheritance! @Koyai GCD 😉

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟘:𝟚𝟜

"Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?"

That's the reason why we need God. Man cannot live without God!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟙:𝟡, 𝟚𝟙

"It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman."

"It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman."

If your gf/fiancée is contentious, break up. It's better to dump her now than to dump yourself in the wasteland someday!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟚:𝟙

"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold."

All the politicians of Manipur do not believe this. And many of us as well!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟛:𝟜-𝟝

"Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens."

Let's not be a lover of money but of good works. Rich in good works over rich in wealth!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟜:𝟙𝟞

"For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity."

The mention of "seven" is a metaphor for several times. The point is that God upholds the righteous!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟝:𝟚𝟜

"It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman."

Another warning about contentious women! 🙂

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟞:𝟙

"Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool."

The Bible has a low view of a fool. Ignorance is not bliss!

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟟:𝟙𝟝

"A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike;"

Another warning about a contentious woman. Seriously, unfriend her, block her if you find one! 🙂

The Bible knows "Women Empowerment," Sexual Revolution will happen. It has been since the garden of Eden, a result of the curse. Now, with the coming of technology, it's full-blown.

Jordan Peterson, a non-Christian psychologist is right when he says that it's the technology that redefines the modern woman. Technology will come and go but the word of God not only endures forever but also is the only binding truth. Technology is the new Serpent of the garden.  Not that technology or the serpent is bad inherently but that Satan loves to and has often used them effectively.

 

[7:34 pm, 25/07/2022] S.R: ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟠:𝟛

"A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food."

Human has the tendency to oppress others. In this proverb, and in the parable of the unforgiving servant, the lesson is directed not to the few people who are super rich but to those who are common people (who are not that rich). It's the lesson to be gracious and generous as (since) we are the recipients of grace from God.

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟚𝟡:𝟚𝟝

"The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted."

The Bible tells us to fear no man but God alone. And humans often fear man and neglect God. I need to be constantly reminded of this proverb to put my trust in God, not in the people around me.

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟛𝟘:𝟙𝟘

"Do not slander a slave to his master, Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty."

As a rule, we shouldn't slander anyone. But there are some slanders that are more hurtful, more dangerous, and more consequential.

 

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕤 𝟛𝟙:𝟙𝟘

"An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels."

How many of our lady friends find Proverbs 31 to be delightful to their hearts? I don't think anyone in my church, friends circle, or anyone I know to do so.

For the same reason, both ladies and gentlemen didn't find that delightful in reading Matthew 5:29-30 or any part of the Scriptures.

We love sin. We enjoy sin. We enjoy doing our own way. We want everything under our control. We want to be our own god.

However, because the scriptures convict us of our sins and displaced desires, Christians can still rejoice that God is working in us and He shall perfect us someday.