The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and advice for living a godly life. Proverbs 9:17 states “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” This proverb is warning against the temptation to find pleasure in forbidden things. At first glance, stolen water and secret food seem more exciting precisely because they are off-limits. The idea is that we tend to romanticize and desire that which we cannot have. However, the book of Proverbs regularly advises against giving in to these temptations, which often lead to pain and destruction down the road. Some key…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
The mark of the beast is a significant symbol in the Book of Revelation that has led to much discussion and debate among Christians. Revelation 13:16-18 states: “Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number…
The book of the Lord referred to in Isaiah 34:16 has been interpreted in different ways by Bible scholars. Here is an overview of the main views on what this book represents: 1. The Bible Itself One common interpretation is that the book of the Lord refers to the Bible as a whole. The reasoning is that the Bible is considered God’s written Word, so it can be described metaphorically as “the book of the Lord.” Isaiah 34:16 says that none of the words in this book will fail to be fulfilled, which lines up with the Bible’s claims about…
Proverbs 29:15 says “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.” This verse provides insight into the importance of discipline and correction in raising children. Here is an in-depth look at what Proverbs teaches about children left to themselves: The Need for Discipline Proverbs makes it clear that children need discipline and correction in order to grow in wisdom and maturity. Several other verses emphasize this point: “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” (Proverbs 22:15) Discipline drives foolishness from…
The statement that Jesus is the image of the invisible God is found in Colossians 1:15, which says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” This profound verse teaches us several key truths about who Jesus is in relation to God the Father. Jesus fully reveals God First, when it says Jesus is the “image” of God, it means He fully reveals God’s nature and character. An image is a visible representation of something or someone. Jesus came to show us exactly who God is and what He is like. John 1:18 says, “No…
The recent “He Gets Us” advertising campaign sponsored by the American Bible Society has generated a lot of discussion about whether or not it accurately represents biblical teachings. At around $100 million, it is a huge undertaking aiming to “articulate the heart of the Christian faith in a fresh way for a new generation.” But does it accomplish that goal from a biblical perspective? Let’s take a closer look. Overview of the “He Gets Us” Campaign The “He Gets Us” campaign launched in April 2022 in the United States featuring billboards, TV commercials, and social media ads portraying Jesus in…
Proverbs 24:26 states “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” This proverb conveys the value of honesty and integrity in our speech. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this verse. The Imagery of a Kiss A kiss on the lips between two people expresses intimacy, affection, and care. It’s a special act reserved for those who are close to each other. Similarly, an honest answer demonstrates intimacy and care between two people. When we speak truthfully and transparently, we invite others into an intimate connection marked by openness and trust. Just as a kiss brings two…
The question of whether names can be blotted out of the book of life is an important theological issue that is directly addressed in Psalm 69:28. This verse states, “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.” To understand the meaning and implications of this verse, we must examine the biblical evidence regarding the book of life and what it represents. The Book of Life in Scripture The book of life is mentioned several times in Scripture, often in relation to God’s record of those who belong to Him.…
The Bible verse Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” This verse points to the incredible hope that God offers us through Jesus Christ. In this article, we will explore what it means to “abound in hope” according to the Bible. Hope in the Bible Hope is a major theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel hoped for the coming of the Messiah who would deliver them. In the New Testament, hope…
The story of the Judgment of Solomon is found in 1 Kings 3:16-28 in the Old Testament. Here is a summary of the story: Two women came to King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. One woman explained that she and the other woman lived in the same house, and they each gave birth to their own baby boy around the same time. But one night, the other woman accidentally rolled over and smothered her baby while they were sleeping. When she woke up and saw the dead baby, she switched the babies and then…