Proverbs 29:27 (Short Commentary)

 (Proverbs 29:27)"An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked." (ESV) 

There is an antithesis between believers and unbelievers.  The lifestyle and beliefs of the wicked are detestable to the righteous.  While the lifestyle and beliefs of the righteous are detestable to the wicked.  The righteous are those who have true faith in God, and the wicked are those who are in rebellion against God.   

Romans 12:9 (Short Commentary)

 (Romans 12:9)"Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." (ESV) 

This verse can be called the mark of a Christian.  Love is to be authentic, not hypocritical.  Love seeks the good of the other person, it is not self centered.  True love hates what is evil and clings to what is good. 

Good is that which aligns with the character and law of God.  Evil is that which opposes the character and law of God.   

Matthew 1:21 (Short Commentary)

 (Matthew 1:21)"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."  (ESV)

The name Jesus means the Lord saves.  Jesus did not just make salvation possible, he actually saved his people from their sins.  Christ accomplished salvation for the elect.  Salvation is the work of God alone.  

Proverbs 27:17 (Short Commentary)

 (Proverbs 27:17)"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (ESV) 

Through encouragement and constructive criticism one man sharpens another.  This applies especially to the study of Scripture and theological matters, as we learn to love God with our mind. 

Psalm 118:9 (Short Commentary)

 (Psalm 118:9)"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes." (ESV) 

Those who view politics as ultimate need to listen to this verse.  No politician is going to save you.  Salvation is found in Christ alone.  Our trust should not be in politicians or any human beings.  Our trust should only be in God. 

Blessed Are The Meek? (Matthew 5:5) (Short Commentary Series)

(Matthew 5:5)"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (ESV)  

The word blessed refers to a state of well being with God.  The meek are those who are not self promoting and who do not assert themselves above others or even above God.  Of course this is the exact opposite of what the world teaches us.  But the wisdom of the world is found to be foolishness.  

The meek trust in God who controls all things.  The ultimate example of meekness is Jesus himself (Matthew 11:29, Matthew 21:5, 2 Corinthians 10:1).  The background for this verse is Psalm 37:11.  

(Psalm 37:11)"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." (ESV) 

Matthew 12:30 (Short Commentary)

 (Matthew 12:30)"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (ESV) 

There is no neutral ground, there is no middle ground.  You are either with Jesus or you are against him. 

Proverbs 16:33 (Short Commentary)

(Proverbs 16:33) "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."  (ESV) 


Even the casting of the lot or the roll of the dice is determined by the Lord.  Things that appear to just happen actually operate under the sovereignty of God.  There is no such thing as luck or chance.  God is in absolute control of all things.  

Jeremiah 17:9 (Short Commentary)

(Jeremiah 17:9) "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"  (ESV) 


Maybe just following your heart is not such a good idea after all.  The word "heart" refers to the will and emotions.  This verse speaks of what is known as total depravity.  This does not mean that we are as bad as we can possibly be.  It means that our entire being is corrupted by sin.  People are not basically good, they are sinful. 

Genesis 1:1 (Short Commentary)

(Genesis 1:1) "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."  (ESV)


This is the foundation for everything else.  The phrase "the heavens and the earth" means everything.  So God created everything, he created out of nothing.  God is the Creator and everything else is the creation.  Everyone and everything is dependent upon God, he is not dependent upon anyone or anything.  There is one God who is sovereign, omnipotent (all powerful), and majestic.  God is God and we are not.  Ultimately if we do not get this right we will not get anything else right.