Evening by Evening is a well thought-out set of thoughts on different Scriptures that can be used in our daily lives. Spurgeon has a way of taking one verse and bringing us to the feet of Jesus with it. His love for Jesus shines through each page and gives the reader a hunger to learn more about Him and want to be more like Him.

The use of Scripture at the beginning of each devotional is placed with the purpose of bringing us to a quiet, meditative state at the end of the day. Spurgeon speaks several times about reflecting on that day and asking the Holy Spirit if the choices we made were according to His will. A valuable asset to the library of any Christian that wants more from his daily walk with God.

Evening by Evening
by: Charles Spurgeon
377 pages
$12.99
ISBN: 0883686465
http://www.burnerbooks.com

KJV Ladies Bible Study Blog would like to welcome Jennifer as a new author to the site.  I am so excited to have a great author and avid reader of the Word. I am looking forward to reading her reviews and Bible studies.

Read all about Jennifer below.

My name is Jennifer Barker and I’m the proud mother of three precious boys, Bryce, Rylan, and Jayce. It is because of them that I am closer to the Lord.

My husband, Tom, is so supportive of my writing. Thank you so much! I love you!

I’m always studying and reading. Probably to a fault. But I love to learn. I like to take the Bible, read it in context, and see what else I can glean from it. This love of reading and learning is the reason that I founded the blog Always Searching, Always Growing. What you read in this blog is the result of my digging.

I hope you join me on this incredible journey. Feel free to comment on any of the topics I write about. Actually, I relish the conversation! Let’s join hands and grow together in the Lord.

What I believe:

I believe in Jehovah, the One who sent His blessed Son, Jesus, to save the world from our sins.

I believe in Jesus, the only Begotten of the Father. He’s the One who laid down His life for me on that cruel cross, so I won’t ever have to taste of death. He asks that I abide in Him, the Vine, so that I will continue to grow and become a better Christian.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Advocate for us with the Father. Without Him, I would be completely lost. He’s the One who breathed out the words of the Holy Scriptures. We are so blessed to have the whole counsel of God in the form of these words. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches me what the words mean.

I believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. It is without error and can be tried and never found wanting.

~Jennifer Barker, Always Searching, Always Growing

7 Rules for a Happy Day!

I will read my Bible today.
I Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

I will pray today.
I Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

I will let Jesus be my example today, not others.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I will practice the fruit of the Spirit today.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,meekness, temperance: against such these is no law.

I will encourage others with my words today.
Proverbs 31:26
She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

I will dress modesty today.
I Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

I will stay pure today and pray for my (future) husband.
II Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Anonymous

Chapter 31:1-31

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother _ _ _ _ _ _ him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the _ _ _ of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto _ _ _ _ _, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink _ _ _ _; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and _ _ _ _ _ _ the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to _ _ _ _ _ _, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and _ _ _ _ _ _ his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy _ _ _ _ _ for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, _ _ _ _ _ righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her _ _ _ _ _ _ _ doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have _ _ need of spoil.

12 She will do him _ _ _ _ and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her _ _ _ _ from afar.

15 She _ _ _ _ _ _ also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the _ _ _ _ _of her _ _ _ _ _ she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is _ _ _ _: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her _ _ _ _ _ to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the _ _ _ _ _.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and _ _ _ _ _ _.

23 Her _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with _ _ _ _ _ _; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the _ _ _ _ of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her _ _ _ _ _ _ _; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them _ _ _.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a _ _ _ _ _ that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the _ _ _ _ _of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 Questions
A.  What did King Lemuel’s mother teach him about strong drink (wine)? 

B.  What is a King to do from verse eight (8) and nine (9)?

C.  A virtuous woman is described in verse 10-31. The woman all of us should have a desire to strive for.

D.  What are some of the things she does for others?

E.  What are the “extra” things she does for her household in addition to providing food?

F.  What does she fill her time with?

G.  She looks for ways to bless her household and takes care of them. How does her family feel about her? 

Challenge
Proverbs ends on a special note for women giving us wisdom and knowledge with verse thirty-one (31).

It is time again to examine yourself.

Can your family call you blessed?

Are you a virtuous woman? What does it mean to be a virtuous woman? Explain it.

Are you filling your extra time for you?

Are you doing extra things like shopping?

How about your hobby? Maybe you like to sew or use the computer.

Women are multi-taskers on a large scale handling many different things at once. Sometimes, we get so busy we lose focus of the things that are really important. Having a just balance can keep us focused. Step back and take some time to find out what is really important for you and your family. Write down all you do for a week in a journal. Can you believe it! Yes, you are probably like the rest of us and wonder how do we do it? What items rise to the top? Find a way to balance your time. You may need to cut back in some area and limit yourself. Finding balance can be difficult, but is so worth the effort. Not only will it please God, but also help other areas of your life.

Chapter 30:1-33

1 The _ _ _ _ _ of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

2 Surely I am more brutish than any _ _ _, and have not the understanding of a man.

3 I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ learned wisdom, _ _ _ have the knowledge of the holy.

4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is _ _ _ name, and what is his _ _ _’ _ name, if thou canst tell? 

5 Every _ _ _ _ of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou _ _ _ unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7 Two things have I required of thee; _ _ _ _ me them not before I die:

8 Remove far from me vanity and _ _ _ _: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the _ _ _ _ of my God in vain.

10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse _ _ _ _, and thou be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that _ _ _ _ _ _ _ their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that are pure in their _ _ _ eyes, and yet is _ _ _ washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are _ _ _ _ _ _  up.

14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as _ _ _ _ _ _, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are _ _ _ _ _ satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16 The grave; and the barren _ _ _ _; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17 The _ _ _ that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to _ _ _ _ his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18 There be three things which are too _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for me, yea, four which I know not:

19 The way of an _ _ _ _ _ in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done _ _ wickedness.

21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot _ _ _ _:

22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a _ _ _ _ when he is filled with meat;

23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is _ _ _ _ to her mistress.

24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding
_ _ _ _:

25 The _ _ _ _ are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the _ _ _ _ _;

27 The locusts have no _ _ _ _, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28 The _ _ _ _ _ _taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.

29 There be three things which go well, yea, _ _ _ _ are comely in going:

30 A _ _ _ _ which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; 

31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a _ _ _ _, against whom there is no rising up. 

32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up _ _ _ _ _ _ _, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth _ _ _ _ _ _. 

Questions
A.  Verse seven (7) speaks of two things that are not denied. What are they? Why would a person ask for it?

B.  List three (3) things never satisfied and four (4) things that are not enough. 

C.  List three (3) things that are too wonderful and one (1) the author knows not of.  

D.  List three (3) things for which the earth is disquieted and four (4) can not bear.

E.  List four (4) things that are little on the earth, yet exceedingly wise.

Challenge
Verse 32 – Write it out.

We have all at one time or another done foolishly by lifting ourselves up. We also have talked when we should have remained silent. Is there any pride in your life? Are you speaking foolishly when you should be silent and listening? This can be very difficult. We naturally want to join in a converssation or add our “two cents”. We show so much more wisdom when we listen to others. They are also very receptive to someone that has interest in what they are saying. Are your thoughts evil? The Bible talks about our thoughts being sinful.

Verse 33- Write it out.

This verse is so true. Yet, there are some that think it is funny to get people going. When you are always picking at people or forcing them to become angry, irritated and full of wrath what happens? You become the fool causing discontentment. This happens a lot within families and it can be very destructive causing so much pain. If you find you are that person, repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Ask him to help you in this area. Make a plan that you will not be that way to others. Resist that tempation.

Chapter 29:1-27

1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and that without remedy.

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people _ _ _ _ _ _ _: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his _ _ _ _ _ _: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. 

4 The king by judgment establisheth the _ _ _ _: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for _ _ _ feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a _ _ _ _ _: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the _ _ _ _: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away _ _ _ _ _.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man, whether he rage or laugh, there is _ _ rest.

10 The bloodthirsty _ _ _ _ the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11 A fool uttereth _ _ _ his _ _ _ _: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

12 If a ruler hearken to _ _ _ _, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together:  the LORD lighteneth _ _ _ _
their _ _ _ _.

14 The king that faithfully _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to
_ _ _ _ _.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their _ _ _ _.

17_  _ _ _ _ _ _ thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18 Where there is no _ _ _ _ _ _, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

19 A servant will not be corrected by words:  for though he understand he will not
_ _ _ _ _ _.

20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more _ _ _ _ of a _ _ _ _ than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a _ _ _ _ _ shall have him become his son at the length.

22 An _ _ _ _ _ man stirreth up strife, and a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man’s _ _ _ _ _ shall bring him _ _ _: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his _ _ _ soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his _ _ _ _ _ in the LORD shall be safe.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment _ _ _ _ _ _ from the LORD.

27 An unjust man is an abomination to the _ _ _ _: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the _ _ _ _ _ _.

Questions
A.  What does the rod of reproof do? A child left to himself brings what?

B.  Why should you correct your son (children)?

C.  What happens when there is no vision?

D.  Where does every man’s judgment come from?

Challenge
This chapter jumps back and forth regarding the person that acts foolishly and the one that demonstrates or uses wisdom. Write down each verse dividing up each kind of behavior. Seek to be the person with wisdom. Ask God for his help. What have you learned?

Chapter 28:1-28

1 The wicked _ _ _ _ when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a _ _ _ of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping _ _ _ _which leaveth
no _ _ _ _.

4 They that forsake the _ _ _ praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 _ _ _ _ men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be _ _ _ _.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a _ _ _ _ son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8 He that by usury and _ _ _ _ _ _ gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his _ _ _ from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil _ _ _, he shall fall himself into his _ _ _ pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The _ _ _ _ man is wise in his own conceit; but the _ _ _ _that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is _ _ _ _ _ glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that covereth his _ _ _ _ shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked _ _ _ _ _ over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the _ _ _; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be _ _ _ _ _: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of _ _ _ _ _: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for a piece of bread that man will
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an _ _ _ _ eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the _ _ _ _ _ _.

24 Whoso _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his father or his mother, and saith, It is _ _ transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a _ _ _ _ _ heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the _ _ _ _ shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his _ _ _ heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall _ _ _ lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a _ _ _ _ _.

28 When the wicked rise, men _ _ _ _ themselves: but when they perish, the righteous _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Questions 
A.  Who flees when no person pursues them? What do the righteous do? Why? 

B.  What happens to a person that covers his sins?

C.  Verse fourteen (14) speaks of being happy. Explain it.

D.  A faithful man and someone pursuing to be rich each have outcomes. What happens to each of them?

Challenge
Write out verse nine (9).
This verse talks of turning your ear from hearing the law. Putting up a wall that stops God’s commandments can be dangerous. Are you the church goer that attends Sunday morning service only? You sneak in the back row, half listen to the service and rush out quickly. You have your ears open to hear only the good things. And you get very offended and turn your ear to anything that offends you. Often God speaks to us by conviction. He wants us to turn in his direction and stop sinning. He uses the preacher to get his message across. You may even feel the service was specially made for you. It was! God is speaking to you! This week attend Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday services. That is anytime the church doors are open. This time listen to the preacher with renewed interest and resist getting offended. Shake it off. Go to your Bible after service and search the Scriptures to know God.

Chapter 27:1-27

1 _ _ _ _ _ not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another man _ _ _ _ _ _ thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s _ _ _ _ _ is heavier than them both.

4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before _ _ _ _?

5 _ _ _ _ rebuke is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the _ _ _ _ _ _ of an enemy are deceitful.

7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the _ _ _ _ _ _ soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his
_ _ _ _ _.

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

11 My son, be wise, and make my heart _ _ _ _, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

12 A prudent man _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a _ _ _ _ _ _ of him for a strange woman.

14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a _ _ _ _ _ to him.

15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ woman are alike.

16 Whosoever _ _ _ _ _ _ her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the countenance of his friend.

18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his
_ _ _ _ _ _ shall be honoured.

19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of _ _ _ to _ _ _.

20 Hell and destruction are _ _ _ _ _ full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21 As the fining pot for silver, and the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for gold; so is a man to his praise.

22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will
_ _ _ his foolishness _ _ _ _ _ _ from him.

23 Be thou _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

24 For _ _ _ _ _ _ are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

26 The _ _ _ _ _ are for thy clothing, and the _ _ _ _ _ are the price of the field.

27 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for _ _ _ food, for the food of thy
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, and for the maintenance for thy _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Questions
A.  Should you praise yourself or let someone else?

B.  Between wrath, anger or envy which can not stand before another? What do they bring?

C.  What rejoices a person’s heart?

D.  The Bible makes a comparison with a rainy day. What is it?

Challenge
It is so easy to lift ourselves up and give praise for the things that we do. Verse 2, tells us not to, but to let others do that. Pride can creep in so easily. Take a day and be conscious of the words you speak. Better yet – record yourself. Are you prideful? In what area do you fall short? Repent and turn from it. Ask God to show you all areas you are prideful in. This is another opportunity to get right.

Chapter 26:1-28

1 As _ _ _ _ in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the _ _ _ _ _ causeless shall not come.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a _ _ _ for the fool’s back.

4 Answer _ _ _ a _ _ _ _ according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest _ _  be wise in his _ _ _ conceit.

6 He that sendeth a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

7 The legs of the lame are _ _ _ equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth _ _ _ _ _ _ to a fool.

9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the _ _ _ _ _  of fools.

10 The great God that _ _ _ _ _ _ all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a _ _ _ _ returneth to his folly.

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more _ _ _ _ of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the _ _ _; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ upon his bed.

15 The slothful _ _ _ _ _ _ his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own _ _ _ _ _ _ _ than seven men that can render a reason.

17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with _ _ _ _ _ _ belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a _ _ _ man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not _ in sport?

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth _ _ _: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to
_ _ _ _ _ _ strife.

22 The _ _ _ _ _ of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a _ _ _ _ _ _ heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and _ _ _ _ _ _ up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are _ _ _ _ _ abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be _ _ _ _ _ _ before the whole congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall _ _ _ _ therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A _ _ _ _ _ tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Questions
A.  Write down all verses that pertain to a fool. What is the Bible’s disposition regarding a fool or acting like a fool?

B.  Write down verses of slothfulness and the sluggard. The Bible warns us. Are you lazy about anything?

C.   Write down verses of the talebearer, burning lips and lying tongue. How does God feel about it?

Challenge
This chapter deals with three types of character traits. The one that acts foolishly, the lazy person and the person that lies. The Bible provides clear warnings and examples for each type of trait a person can possess. You can perform an act or possess a trait. Examine yourself to make sure you are none of these. Do you find yourself being lazy or doing foolish things? Next, examine your friends. Do you have friendships or keep company with these types of people? This is the time to go into prayer and ask the Lord to show you if there be any wicked way in you. It is best he show you and you get it right.

Chapter 25:1-28

1 These are also proverbs of _ _ _ _ _ _ _, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a
_ _ _ _ _ _.

3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of _ _ _ _ _ is unsearchable.

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the
_ _ _ _ _.

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his _ _ _ _ _ _ shall be established in righteousness.

6 Put not forth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

7 For _ _ _ _ _ _ it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to _ _ _ _ _.

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour _ _ _ _ _ _ _; and discover not a secret to another:

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine _ _ _ _ _ _ turn not away.

11 A _ _ _ _ fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a _ _ _ _ _ gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft _ _ _ _ _ _ breaketh the bone.

16 Hast thou found _ _ _ _ _? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so
_ _ _ _ thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a _ _ _ _, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a _ _ _ _ _ _ tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an _ _ _ _ _ heart.

21 If thine enemy be _ _ _ _ _ _, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 For thou shalt heap coals of _ _ _ _ upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an _ _ _ _ _ countenance a backbiting tongue.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling _ _ _ _ _ and in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good _ _ _ _ from a far country.

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ spring.

27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their _ _ _ glory is not glory.

28 He that hath no rule over his own _ _ _ _ _ _ is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Questions
A.  Confidence in an unfaithful person in the time of trouble is similar to what?

B.  What are we to give our (hungry) enemies? What happens to them because of our generosity and kindness?

C.  The north wind drives away the rain. So does something else. List what else does too.

D.  What is a brawling woman compared to?

E.  What verse talks of ruling your spirit? Think on this verse.

Challenge
Go through the first part of this chapter as it gives advice regarding Kings. These chapters were written down by the men of a King. Those that have authority over us can rule righteously or unrighteously. Pray for those that have authority over you. Pray for the salvation of your boss, parents, spouse and that they have wisdom and understanding.