A Kingdom with a Mission

Introduction

Those who follow Jesus Christ--who fall down before Him and worship Jesus as Lord and Savior--are God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood.  We are citizens and kings and queens in the Kingdom of God.  We live in this world, which is not our home, as royal ambassadors.  Often, we find we live in hostile territory, for the people and systems and attitudes and philosophies of this world are opposed to the Kingdom of God and His rightful rule.  So, Christians trust in Jesus and we endure the trials of this life, even as we live with the dignity and confidence of God’s royal family.  We trust what Jesus said.  Jesus promised He was coming back and when He comes, the Kingdom of God will come completely.  This world and all it’s brokenness will melt away and God will make Heaven and Earth perfect once again.  There will be no more sin or sorrow or suffering or death.

It’s a wonderful vision of hope.  We long for the Day.  Unfortunately, Christians sometimes grow so comfortable with the hope that Someday Jesus will come and fix all the brokeness around us that we forget we have a job to do while we are here.  “Someday,” we think, “God will make all things right.  Someday, we will go to heaven.  Someday, we will sit on thrones and rule in the Kingdom of God.”

But Jesus gave us a mission to accomplish today.  We are not to stand idly by waiting for Someday to come.  In fact, Jesus had harsh words for all those who do nothing during the wait.  We are on a mission to spread the Kingdom of God all around us.  This is not optional.  It is what true followers of the King do.  It is how we live.

Jesus’ Disciples wanted to know when the world as we know it would come to an end and the Kingdom of God would be fully realized.  They wanted to know how they would know it was coming (Matthew 24:3).  Jesus gave them some clues. He said fear mongering, devastating wars, religious imposters, and natural disasters would all precede His return to usher in the full Kingdom of God.  He warned sin and persecution would be rampant in the world.  We already see some of these these signs in the world around us:  hurricanes and wildfires, political leaders and media outlets telling blatant lies, the Bible being scorned and forgotten, pastors caught up in scandals, and heresy being taught in the church.  

But Jesus also said in Matthew 24:14, “The Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.”

So the faithful have important work to do.  The signs of the times ought not to dissuades us from our important work.  To the contrary, it should make us more determine.  Our mission is urgent.  We don’t know how much time we have left--years, days, or hours?  But this we do know:  Jesus is coming again and we are closer now to Jesus second coming than we ever were before.

People need to be careful.  So many people--especially “good people” (and this includes a lot of people who go to church) have the mindset that everything is just going to be ok in the end.  That feeling of false-security makes so many complacent and lazy.  For if you feel like you don’t have to do anything but sit back and wait, then you’ll forget about God’s Kingdom and His mission.

Jesus warned His Disciples (and us) about that very danger.  And that’s the subject of my message today.  As a king in the royal priesthood of God, I share three warnings Jesus gave for everyone waiting for his return.  The warnings are found in three parables Jesus taught in the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew about what His followers should do while they wait for His return.  These are some of the last lessons Jesus taught before he was arrested and crucified. 

Read Matthew 25

Parable 1 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13 

Parale 2 - The Parable of the Three Servants and the Master's Silver - Matthew 25:14-30

Parable 3 - The Parable of the Sheep and Goats - Matthew 25:31-46

The overall theme of all three parables is this:  Jesus is coming, but no one knows when.  Therefore, we can’t waste any time.  We need to get ready and stay ready, because we don’t know the day or the hour He will return.  You can’t wait until the last minute to get ready.  You must use all the time you have to prepare for the coming of the King.

Jesus’ First Warning - Make Sure You Spirit is Ready.  (The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13)

In order to be ready spiritually, you need to have the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  I preached a whole sermon series on these recently.  You can read them on my blog or watch videos of the sermons on my church’s Facebook page.  

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  These are the virtues the Holy Spirit wants to grow in us.  Now, you can’t grow these yourself.  They are a product of the Holy Spirit.  They grow in us as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit.  We can’t make them grow, but we can create in our hearts an environment that nurtures their growth.  

Growing the Fruit of the Spirit takes time.  It doesn’t happen overnight.  That’s why it’s imperative that you don’t wait.  You need to start now!  Jesus said it’s urgent, because you don’t know when He might return.  We you be ready?  Will you have enough oil for your lamp?  You see, you can’t borrow it from anyone else.  

Our mission then (besides making sure we have “oil in our own lamps”) is to make encourage our friends, our family, our neighbors, everyone to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit too that He might grow in their lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.  We can’t give them these virtues, but God can and He will if they will turn from their sins and turn to Jesus Christ.  We must urge them to, because the Kingdom of God is near!

Jesus’ Second Warning - Make Sure You Invest Your Resources in the Kingdom

(The Parable of the Three Servants and the Master’s Silver - Matthew 25:14-30)

The Kingdom of God has a mission.  We want everyone to repent of their rebellious sin and turn to God.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the rightful ruler of all.  We want everyone to willingly bow before our King and know the joy of His love.  This mission--to make disciples of Jesus Christ--is our number one priority.  It comes before everything else.

We are blessed with many different resources--time and money (of which there never seems to be enough), but also our talents and abilities (reference Last Wednesday’s talent show).  All these things are given to us by God and He expects us use them in the Kingdom’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  It doesn’t care how much you have.  Some have more ability than others, some more time, some more talent.  But we’ve all been given something to invest.

We won’t be judged on how well we did so much as whether we tried.  God knows our ability and our limitations.  He is not upset when we try and come up short.  What disappoints God most is when we are too afraid to try or (worse) too distracted by other things to invest ourselves fully in God’s Kingdom.  What will you do when you come face to face with the great King of kings and must reveal what you did with all He gave you in this life?  Will you say with trembling voice, “I was so afraid to use what you gave me so i buried it and kept it hidden away.”  Or worse, will you find you must confess with fearful tears in your eyes, “I wasted most of my life and most my time and most of my money and most of my talent chasing the fleeting things of this world instead of investing in the Kingdom’s noble goals.”  And where will all your trophies be then?  What will you have to show for all your striving.  Nothing.  And there you will stand, empty handed before the Lord of lords.  And what of your friends and neighbors, your family, and those you worked with?  What will you do when they testify against you, “She knew King and she never introduced me!  He saw me running towards destruction, and he never cried out to warn me!  They knew how to be saved and they never told me!”

Jesus’ Third Warning - Make Sure You Show Compassion to Those in Need.  (The Parable of the Sheep and Goats - Matthew 25:31-46)

God has been so patient and compassionate with us.  Jesus’ amazing grace saved us from our sins and restored us to a perfect relationship with our Creator God.  He brought many of us out of very miserable situations; some of us are still in the process of being rescued.  He makes us kings and queens in His royal priesthood when we trust Jesus.  It’s all too magnificent to believe!  We have so much to be thankful for this week!

We may be tempted to set back and just enjoy basking in the glory of it all—to spend all our time feasting in the Kingdom.  There are times for that.  Thanksgiving is a feast to celebrate all for which we are thankful.  Chief among all our blessing is the gracious gift of salvation is Jesus Christ .  And every Sunday is an occasion for us to come and worship—to sing praises to the God of our salvation, to join with our brothers and sisters in the royal family of God and glorify his name and lift up our hearts in joyous adoration.

However, we can’t be lazy or complacent in God’s Kingdom.  There’s too much at stake.  Jesus is coming soon and we better be ready.  There’s too much hurting and suffering in this world.  There are so many others who need compassion and saving too.  To forget or neglect them is the ultimate insult to the Savior who gave everything to come rescue us when we absolutely didn’t deserve it. 

So, Jesus’ final warning to the royal family of God is to make sure you show compassion to those in need.  And I want to make sure you know this about Jesus’ warning.  He specifically instructs His followers to show compassion to certain people.  In Matthew 25:35-36 he said, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. ³⁶ I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Jesus clearly wants us to focus on helping people who are in need—people who are hungry and thirsty, people who are considered strangers, people who are naked (not adequately clothed and are vulnerable), people who are sick (physically or mentally), and those who are in prison.

Now, most folks who go to church regularly don’t mind sending a card to a friend when they’re sick.  We don’t mind going out to lunch with someone from our Sunday school class after church.  And we love it when a new family visits church on Sunday—especially if they seem like a nice family who has it all together.  But what about feeding a hungry stranger down at the City of Refuge on a Monday night?  Or how would you feel about sitting down to eat with a complete stranger who stopped by the church for a Wednesday night supper even though they looked dirty or smelled like cigarette smoke?  And when was the last time you visited someone in prison?  Have you ever?  Have you ever even written a letter to someone in prison?

At the end of the Age, when Jesus comes back, some people will inherit the Kingdom He prepared for them and others will be cast into hell and Jesus says the decision will be based on how we treat—not the rich, not the well-to-do family who visits our church, not our friends we feel comfortable around, but on how we treat—those who are hungry and thirsty, who are strangers to us, who are don’t have adequate clothing, and those who are sick and in prison.

Invitation to Join the Mission

Those who believe in Jesus Christ, who have been saved by His grace and bow to Him as Lord, are on a mission.  Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ—to share the Good News about God’s Kingdom throughout the whole.  We have plenty to share it with right here in Whitfield County.  There is a time for celebrating and a time for work.  For many, this week will be a time of resting and celebrating Thanksgiving.  Sunday worship is also a time to celebrate.  I hope you enjoy the rest and celebration.  But then remember, there is a time for work too.  And we serve in a Kingdom with a mission.  When the feast is over, when the celebration is done, it’s time to get back to the work of the Kingdom.  I invite you today to make a commitment to join the mission—to intentionally choose to:
· Make sure your spirit is ready
· Make Sure You’re Investing Your Resources in the Kingdom
· Make Sure You Show Compassion and Love to Those in Need

Day 29 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 29  Children are the biggest investment in a parent's life.  You will spend more time, money, and energy on them than anything else.  A wise investment early on can yield a life of rewards.  However, being neglectful, lazy, distracted, or wavering in your discipline will lead to serious problems later. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 29:1, 15, & 17 1 There is no hope for stubborn people who always ignore correction.  They will soon be broken beyond repair. 15 It’s better to correct children with a switch so they learn wisdom.  Let children have their own way now and they’ll turn out to be a disgrace. 17 Discipline your kids and they will give you peace; they will fill your life with joy. Invest wisely in your children.  You have about 13 years to teach them what they need to know; the rest is just supervision and letting go.  Be brave, firm, diligent, and consistent to teach and discipline them well.  Pray for guidance to know when to hold them tight and when to let them go.  Seek all the grace and help you can get and enjoy the blessings. Prayer "Father, thank You for being the perfect parent to me.  Guide me that I may follow Your example with my own children.  Help me understand how to discipline them, when to hold them tightly and when to let them go.  And may they bring glory to Your name all their life.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 29
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 29 Warnings and Instructions 1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken [a]beyond remedy. 2 When the righteous [b]increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. 3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. 6 By transgression an evil man is ensnared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 7 The righteous [c]is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such [d]concern. 8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. 9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, [e]The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. 10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless, But the upright [f]are concerned for his life. 11 A fool [g]always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. 12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, All his ministers become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor [h]have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child [i]who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 16 When the wicked [j]increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also [k]delight your soul. 18 Where there is no [l]vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. 19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his slave from childhood Will in the end find him to be a son. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. 24 He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing. 25 The fear of man [m]brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. 26 Many seek the ruler’s [n]favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked. Footnotes: Proverbs 29:1 Lit and there is no remedy Proverbs 29:2 Or become great Proverbs 29:7 Lit knows the cause Proverbs 29:7 Lit knowledge Proverbs 29:9 Lit He Proverbs 29:10 Lit seek his soul Proverbs 29:11 Lit sends forth all his spirit Proverbs 29:13 Lit meet together Proverbs 29:15 Lit left to himself Proverbs 29:16 Or become great Proverbs 29:17 Lit give delight to Proverbs 29:18 Or revelation Proverbs 29:25 Lit gives Proverbs 29:26 Lit face	Proverbs 29 1 There is no hope for stubborn people who always ignore correction.  They will soon be broken beyond repair. 2 Everyone cheers up when the people in control do the right thing, but they moan when the ungodly come to power. 3 People who love wisdom give their parents true joy, but you’ll waste all your money if you hang out with adulterers. 4 Honest rulers give stability to their land, but those who twist justice for money ruin it. 5 Someone who flatters their neighbor is really setting a trap for them. 6 Immoral people fall into a trap when they cross the line, but those who live the right way sing for joy. 7 People who live right are fair to the poor who are barely getting by; the ungodly could care less. 8 People who mock sarcastically fan the flames of anger around them, but a more careful person calms everybody down. 9 When a wise man has a dispute with a fool, there will be sarcastic ranting but no resolution. 10 Bloodthirsty people hate the innocent and try to kill those who live right. 11 Only a fool trumpets their opinion out when they’re angry; a wise person restrains themself. 12 If a ruler is swayed by lies, his advisors will all be dishonest. 13 The poor and the tyrant have something in common: Jehovah gave them both life. 14 If a ruler is fair to the poor, his honor will be remembered forever. 15 It’s better to correct children with a switch so they learn wisdom.  Let children have their own way now and they’ll turn out to be a disgrace.   16 When the ungodly are in charge, people sin more and more, but those who live right will see the ungodly fall apart. 17 Discipline your kids and they will give you peace; they will fill your life with joy. 18 Without God’s vision, people are totally exposed and vulnerable; you can’t believe how happy they are to be clothed with God’s Law. 19 It takes more than words to correct a bondservant.  They may understand and still not obey. 20 You’ve seen people who always say things without thinking.  A fool is better off than they are. 21 A worker that’s pampered his whole life will cause you as much grief as a spoiled rotten child. 22 An angry man fights about everything and a hot-head is always crossing the line. 23 Pride leads to humiliation; a humble spirit finds honor. 24 You must really hate yourself if you share a thief's stolen property.  You can’t tell anyone where it came from, even if you swear an oath. 25 It’s a trap to always worry people are out to get you; just trust Jehovah to keep you safe. 26 Everyone wants to go see important people for help, but Jehovah is the source of justice. 27 People who live right can’t stand to be around bad people.  The ungodly can’t stand to be around those who live for God.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 28 of Day Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 28  It's just not good when everyone makes up their own rules.  A family, an organization, a nation needs good leaders.  People rise and fall with the leaders they admire and follow.  Leaders come in all shapes and sizes: a parent, a boss, a pastor, an elected official.  Others are cultural leaders--athletes, artists, characters, public figures.  Sometimes you are a leader.   Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 28:2, 4, 5, & 16 2 The country is in chaos when it's full of rebellious people who do whatever they want; but someone with insight, who understands the way things work, can keep the nation alive. 4 People who ignore God’s Law revere wicked people, but those who obey God’s Law stand against them. 5 Evil people don’t even understand justice, but people who follow the Lord know right from wrong. 16 An unskillful leader without understanding is an oppressive tyrant; but someone who hates greed and corruption will live a long time. We become the people we admire and follow.  Therefore, it is essential we lead and follow wisely.  Know God and His Word so you can truly discern bad leadership from good. Prayer "Jesus, You are the perfect example of a good leader.  Lord, help me to walk with you closely everyday that I might prosper and know how to lead others Your way.  And give us more leaders like You.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 28
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 28 Warnings and Instructions 1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are [a]bold as a lion. 2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. 3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain [b]which leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all things. 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is [c]crooked though he be rich. 7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding [d]sees through him. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men [e]hide themselves. 13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. 14 How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. 17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will [f]be a fugitive until death; let no one support him. 18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is [g]crooked will fall all at once. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To [h]show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 He who robs his father or his mother And says, “It is not a transgression,” Is the companion of a man who destroys. 25 An [i]arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will [j]prosper. 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who [k]shuts his eyes will have many curses. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase. Footnotes: Proverbs 28:1 Lit confident Proverbs 28:3 Lit and there is no bread Proverbs 28:6 Lit perverse of two ways Proverbs 28:11 Lit examines him Proverbs 28:12 Lit will be searched for Proverbs 28:17 Lit flee to the pit Proverbs 28:18 Lit perverse of two ways Proverbs 28:21 Lit regard the face Proverbs 28:25 Lit broad soul Proverbs 28:25 Lit be made fat Proverbs 28:27 Lit hides	Proverbs 28 1 People who aren’t living right are paranoid about everything even when no one is after them; but those with a clean conscious walk with the courage of a lion. 2 The country is in chaos when it’s full of rebellious people who do whatever they want; but someone with insight, who understands the way things  work, can keep the nation alive. 3 A poor man who oppresses others in need is like a sudden downpour that ruins a picnic. 4 People who ignore God’s Law revere wicked people, but those who obey God’s Law stand against them. 5 Evil people don’t even understand justice, but people who follow the Lord know right from wrong. 6 It’s better to be poor and have integrity than rich and corrupt. 7 Smart youth are careful to obey God’s Law, but those who hang around the party crowd embarrass their parents. 8 If you make your money by charging unjust fees and outrageous interest rates, it will end up in the hands of someone else who is kind to the poor. 9 A person’s prayers are disgusting if they ignore God’s Law. 10 Those who lead the righteous into evil will fall into their own trap. 11 A rich person brags how smart they are, but a poor person with some sense sees right through them. 12 It’s a beautiful thing when godly people win, but everyone runs to hide when the ungodly rise up. 13 You can’t really thrive if you cover up your misdeeds, but whoever confesses their sins and turns away from them will receive mercy. 14 A person who is always filled with reverence and awe is truly blessed, but stubborn, cruel people will get into terrible trouble. 15 An ungodly leader is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or a hungry bear. 16 An unskillful leader without understanding is an oppressive tyrant; but someone who hates greed and corruption will live a long time. 17 A murderer’s guilty conscious will haunt them all the way to the grave; you don’t have to help. 18 Someone who’s done nothing wrong will be set free, but a crooked person will get into big trouble. 19 People who work hard at the right thing will have everything they need, but those who goof off all the time will have nothing. 20 A person you can count on will be blessed all the time, but someone who’s always chasing get rich schemes will get into trouble. 21 It’s never good to show favoritism, but people often do to get something they want. 22 A greedy person is in such a hurry to get rich they don’t realize they will never have enough. 23 In the long run, people will appreciate hearing the cold, hard truth more than mere flattery. 24 Someone who steals from their parents and says, “What’s wrong with it?” is not much better than a terrorist. 25 People who always want “more,more, more” cause all kinds of trouble, but those who trust in Jehovah have more than enough. 26 Fools just “follow their heart.”  If you want to avoid trouble, you have to use your head. 27 If you give to the needy, you will always have enough; but those who ignore them will always be cursed. 28 People can’t be themselves when the ungodly rise to power.  More will do what’s right when they fall.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 27 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 27  A wise person takes care of the people and things most important to them--your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your boss, your employees, your health, your essentials... Always put these first and you will reap the rewards. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 27:18, & 23-27 18 If you take care of a fig tree, you get to eat its fruit.  If you take care of your boss, your boss will take care of you. 23-27 Know what’s really going on with your flock; pay close attention to them.  Money doesn’t last forever and you might not always be in charge, but if your flock is well fed and you’ve stored up hay for the hard times, you can make clothes from your sheep’s wool and sell your goats for good profit and you’ll always have enough milk to feed yourself, your family, and everyone who’s important to you. Know who and what's really important to you. Pray for them constantly. Think about what they need and how to care for them. Take the initiative and be attentive. Always do more than is expected. Prayer "Lord, make me aware of those people and things that really matter to me.  Help me to know how to really bless them and care for them that I may do all I can to tend the flock you've given me.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 27
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 27 Warnings and Instructions 1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them. 4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But [a]deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. 7 A sated [b]man [c]loathes honey, But to a famished [d]man any bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his [e]home. 9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a [f]man’s counsel is sweet to his friend. 10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away. 11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me. 12 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The [g]naive proceed and pay the penalty. 13 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for an [h]adulterous woman hold him in pledge. 14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be reckoned a curse to him. 15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike; 16 He who would [i]restrain her [j]restrains the wind, And [k]grasps oil with his right hand. 17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. 18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who cares for his master will be honored. 19 As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. 20 [l]Sheol and [m]Abaddon are never satisfied, Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied. 21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him. 22 Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. 23 Know well the [n]condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; 24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. 25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26 The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, 27 And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens. Footnotes: Proverbs 27:6 Or excessive Proverbs 27:7 Lit soul Proverbs 27:7 Lit tramples on Proverbs 27:7 Lit soul \ Proverbs 27:8 Lit place Proverbs 27:9 Lit soul’s Proverbs 27:12 Lit simple Proverbs 27:13 Lit strange Proverbs 27:16 Lit hide(s) Proverbs 27:16 Lit hide(s) Proverbs 27:16 Lit encounters Proverbs 27:20 I.e. The nether world Proverbs 27:20 I.e. the place of destruction Proverbs 27:23 Lit face	Proverbs 27 1 Don't brag about tomorrow, because it's not here yet and you have no idea what might really happen between now and then. 2 Let someone else sing your praises instead of doing it yourself--a stranger’s boast is better than your own. 3 A stone is heavy and a bag of sand is heavier, but the trouble caused by a fool heavier than both. 4 Someone who’s furious is cruel; anger can overwhelm, but jealousy is the worst emotion of all. 5 It’s better to be publicly corrected than secretly loved. 6 A few well-intentioned wounds from a friend are much better than a thousand kisses from an enemy. 7 Someone who’s already full will turn down dessert, but even bitter food taste good when you’re starving. 8 Someone who wanders away from home is like a baby bird who falls out of the nest. 9 A friend’s heartfelt advice has a sweet smelling scent to a troubled soul. 10 Always be there for your friends and your family’s friends; and count on your neighbors when you have trouble of your own.  A neighbor who lives nearby is better than a brother who lives far away. 11 Son, be wise and make me proud; you’ll be my answer to anyone who looks down on me. 12 A careful person sees trouble coming and steers clear; someone naive walks right into it and suffers the consequences. 13 Only give a loan if the cosigner has collateral; go ahead and take the collateral if they’re cosigning for a stranger. 14 Your neighbor will see a loud, cheerful blessing as a curse if you give it early in the morning. 15-16 A wife who always argues is like a leaky roof on a rainy day--drip, drip, drip!  You’ll have as much success keeping her happy as you will stopping the wind or holding a slippery bottle with oily hands. 17 People sharpen each other like steel sharpening a blade. 18 If you take care of a fig tree, you get to eat its fruit.  If you take care of your boss, your boss will take care of you. 19 A person’s heart reveals who they really are as clearly as a mirror shows you your own face. 20 People are never satisfied with what they already have just like Death always wants more people in the grave. 21 Fire purifies silver and gold, and people are tested by how they handle praise. 22 You can never take the foolishness out of a fool, no matter how finely you grind and sift them. 23-27 Know what’s really going on with your flock; pay close attention to them.  Money doesn’t last forever and you might not always be in charge, but if your flock is well fed and you’ve stored up hay for the hard times, you can make clothes from your sheep’s wool and sell your goats for good profit and you’ll always have enough milk to feed yourself, your family, and everyone who’s important to you.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis