Latest Commentaries

The plans of the diligent advance steadily, while the plans of the hasty drive a man toward poverty.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart make up the lamp by which the wicked man navigates, and that lamp is itself his sin.

Saul selects a specialized force, Jonathan starts a conflict with the Philistines, and the whole nation realizes the growing tension that will require them to unite under their king.

Righteousness and justice in daily life are desired by the LORD more than the most lavish religious offering.

A man's own way looks right to him, but the LORD applies a true measure to the heart he would prefer to evaluate himself.

A lender should take real collateral from anyone foolish enough to guarantee a stranger's debt.

Covenant-loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne stands or falls on whether he rules righteously.

The king's heart is water in the LORD's hand, redirected wherever He wishes; this is comfort to those under unjust rulers and warning to kings.

Saul’s role as Israel’s leader begins with optimism and potential, indicating the gravity of his position in God’s unfolding plan.

Painful correction sometimes reaches and scours away evil that gentler measures cannot, even at the deepest level of a person.

The strength of young men and the gray hair of old men each carry their own dignity, and a wise community honors both.

God uses the human spirit as a lamp to search the innermost parts of a person, leaving no room hidden from Him.

A wise king separates the wicked from his realm with the weight of just judgment, like winnowing grain from chaff.

Speaking sacred vows rashly traps a person, because words spoken before God cannot be revised by changing one's mind.

A man's steps are ordained by the LORD even though he plans them himself, which is why his life often arrives where he did not aim.

Differing weights and false scales are detestable to the LORD, who refuses to let crooked commerce stand unnamed.

Titus 2:11-15 reflects how Jesus has brought salvation and redemption to the human race, raising us to new spiritual life where we can reject the destructive ways of the fallen world system. Rather, we can live as God created us to live, in step with His ways which bless others, all while we anticipate Jesus’s return where He will establish His eternal kingdom on earth. Paul reminds Titus (in such a way as to remind the Cretan believers) that we belong to Christ now and should be passionate about doing what is right. Paul then entrusts authority to Titus to lead the Cretans into this truth, to correct error, and not allow anyone to ignore him.

Titus 2:6-10 addresses the young men of Crete. Paul tells Titus to teach them to make sane decisions and live wisely. Titus can be an example for them by doing good deeds in keeping with God’s word, showing that he obeys the Lord and is consistent. This way, those who oppose Titus and Paul’s teaching will have no ammunition against them; it will be impossible to credibly slander Titus if he has integrity and is a shining example of right living. Bond-servants also should serve their masters with grace, rather than being defiant or stealing; this provides a good witness for the gospel.

Titus 2:1-5 advises Titus in how to instruct the older men of Crete. They should not drink to excess, but should live in a respectful manner, making wise decisions based in love and consistency. Older woman also need to avoid drinking to excess and spreading slanderous gossip. Their calling is to teach the younger women of Crete to love their families, to make wise decisions, and follow God’s word. All of this promotes social harmony and love for one’s neighbor, rather than exploitation and harm.

1 Samuel 12:19-25 highlights Israel’s realization of sin and the hope of forgiveness, Samuel’s assurance of God’s unbreaking covenant, and the vital importance of serving the LORD with undivided hearts, all culminating in a call to faithful obedience under penalty of divine judgment.