Is. 2: Day of Exaltation

Isaiah 2:11 "The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. "

Couple things.

I'm not exactly sure what is meant by "the last days," but apparently this is going to be among the final things that happens on earth, at the end of time. God will establish this "Mountain." The language here points to this mountain being a person. He will be "chief among mountains," which leads me to believe he will be exalted above men. He will be the final say on things, as all nations will stream to it. Quite a guy. He will be a descendant of Jacob, according to the text. He will also send out the law, he will be the final answer on all things. Additionally, he will usher in peace, as people will beat their swords into plows, spears into pruning hooks, etc. Nations will no longer have to fight each other over land and old scores if they all trust the final judge.

The second section of Isaiah two deals with why God abandoned Israel. They completely deserved it. They broke just about every command they were given, but it seems like it all comes down to pride. They destroyed themselves because they thought they were so smart. They created their own idols, and brought the wrath of God down. Now they have no where to run. Just as there is no place to hide from God's love, there is no place to hide from his anger. Everything they build up in their own arrogance will be destroyed, and God will be magnified.

Pr. 21: Motives

Proverbs 21:30 "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. "

The wording is "the king" in verse one. I wonder if that refers to David. If it were any king, wouldn't it say "a king?" Not all kings allow themselves to be guided by God. Of course.

Don't think your plans through? Poverty. (v. 5)

Bernie Madoff. (v. 6-8)

You don't want to be anywhere near a quarrelsome wife. Probably not because she is angry with you, but because she reflects on her husband. (v. 9, 19)

You need wisdom before you can get knowledge. (v. 11)

Does justice bring you joy or terror? (v. 15)

Wise people save, while the foolish don't have the foresight to do so. (v. 20)

God's ways are ineffable. (v. 30)

You can make all the plans you want, but God directs the outcome. (v. 31)

Pr. 18: Even More Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 18:15 "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. "

It is implied here that there is great pleasure to be had in finding understanding. It's that "Aha!" moment that I've come to enjoy when reading through these scriptures with a willing heart and a mind open to learning. I express my opinion on these after reading, not like a fool, who does so beforehand, without really knowing what he's talking about. I've been that way long enough. (v. 2, 13)

Ever say something so foolish people wanted to give you a beating? Ever heard someone say something so foolish you wanted to pound them? (v. 6-7)

Gossip is tasty at first, satisfying. Feels good. But... (v. 8)

Pride in your wealth is misplaced. It will lead to destruction. (v. 11-12)

Get a second opinion. Listen to both sides of the story before passing judgment. (v. 17)

Don't want to show favoritism and invite quarrel? Cast lots. (v. 18)

I found good when I found my wife. She is a favor to me from the LORD. (v. 22)

If you have too many friends, that can lead to ruin. You have too many people to please. There's a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Where? Who? Do they have a specific friend in mind? A best friend? (v. 24)

Pr. 16: Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 16:20 "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

I would have thought the opposite of verse 1. It would seem that to the LORD belong the plans of the heart, and from man comes the reply of the tongue. What am I missing here? Man plots in his heart. What is the reply of the tongue? God answers man's plans?

There is a big difference between a person's "ways" and a person's "motives." (v. 2) Consider the motives behind a person's ways.

Can God use wicked people in his plans? Oh yeah. (v. 4)

Verse 6 is pretty amazing. Sin is atoned for via love and faithfulness. Those are action words, but it isn't empty works in themselves. But whose love? Whose faithfulness?

Verse 9 seems to speak about the will of God. In a man's heart, he plots his course. Man has a destination in mind. God determines the steps. So if man has this plan, is it God in the small things bringing man to that destination? Or is this God completely overruling? When you plot a course, you still take steps. Does God say, "Nuh-uh, follow these steps instead." I tend to think not. Could I become a great man someday without following God's steps? Not great in the eyes of God.

In an authority position? Don't abuse it with dishonest words, because you are to be respected as an oracle and knowledgeable. (v. 10)

Here it is... Pride goes before a fall. (v. 18)

Work hard. Eat. That's how you do it. (v. 26)

Gossip isn't in the Bible. Yes it is. (v. 28) Why throw your friends under the bus?

Got gray hair? Thank God for a long life. (v. 31)

Gonna play the lottery? I guess that's ok, but remember that lots are cast into the lap, and decisions are from the LORD. (v. 33)