The Family Legacy and Motivation

Proverbs 20: 4. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold: therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. An important goal and challenge for a Family Legacy is raising diligent and productive children.  Making excuses is common among those who avoid work.  The solution is not good answers for the excuses, but a vision that motivates action. Hebrews 11 lists many Old Testament saints (Elders) who were...

A Family Legacy is Productive and Compassionate

Proverbs 19 4. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. This proverb is often used (even by godly commentators) to decry the negative effects of riches and encourage the poor to find their comfort in God.  My concern is that to do so is to miss the point.  The rich do have many friends; the poor often don’t and are even shunned by those with possessions.  This is an observation...

A Family Legacy and Godliness

Proverbs 18: 5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. This proverb is about godliness.  Some would say godliness is piety, but what is piety?  We find out later.  “Godly” means “god like” so godliness means “god likeness.”  Does that help?  What does the Bible say? First, it says that man is made in God’s image.  That’s some kind of “god...

The Family Legacy and Hearing

Proverbs 17: 4. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips: and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. Gossip, tale bearing and whispering are possible because there are eager hearers.  It is driven by demand.  This proverb focuses on the hearer. Gossip has two dimensions.  First, it can be a lie – false lips.  But second, it might be true, but empty and unprofitable – a naughty tongue.  Both are...

The Family Legacy and God’s Purposes

Proverbs 16: 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. The first part of this proverb is easy to understand.  But the second part??!!  That doesn’t seem right.  How can God blame and punish the wicked for the way they are when He made them that way? First, let’s consider what this means and then understand why it is wonderful.  Paul explains in Romans 9:11-24...