Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Daily Nugget: “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.” Proverbs 14:2 Proverbs 14:2 explains why a lot is happening in societies, politics, among our youth, in our public education system, and even in many churches. The verse exposes the motive behind so much irrational thinking and behaviors. It puts all the confusion, anger, rejection of centuries-old accepted beliefs, and desires for social changes in perspective and gives an answer for what is happening around us. A growing population hates God! The root of much of the extreme hatred is not just because of other’s refusal to accept baby-butchering abortions, homosexuality, who they vote for, what political party they belong to, or even their adherence to old-fashioned morals and values. The defiance we are seeing is because people refuse to obey the Lord. Their aversion may be taken out upon those with biblical standards and beliefs because their life-styles r...

Daily Nugget: The writing style of showing the results of good versus bad behavior and decisions continue through this chapter. As in the previous Proverbs, one can see the blessings of godly wisdom in contrast to the consequences of ungodly thinking and behavior. One temptation discussed in previous Proverbs and in this chapter is that of the attraction and control wealth has on people (Proverbs 13:4, 7-9, 11, 18, 22). There is much wisdom found throughout this chapter about the priority, desire for, and possession of wealth. We see, as most have discovered to be true in this life, that the lazy (“sluggard”) will have nothing. They may have an occasional shiny bauble, but their slothfulness will limit them from succeeding and being prosperous. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Prov. 13:4 “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” Prov. 13...

Daily Nugget: Proverbs 12 continues a style that started in Proverbs 11. In each verse’s wisdom, an excellent moral trait or action is mentioned, and the positive result of that behavior. The same verse reveals the consequences and effects when godly wisdom or morality are not exercised. This chapter would be ideal for putting in a two-column chart. In one column would be the “good” results of wisdom and positive character behavior found in each verse. The other column could contain the consequence when righteous wisdom is not followed in the same verse. It would be a great comparison of biblical morality versus godless behavior. Examine some of the results of wise, godly thinking and a righteous lifestyle found in this chapter: Love of knowledge (vss. 1, 15). Favored by the Lord (vs. 2, 22). Steadfastness (vss. 3, 7). Will be a blessing to their spouse (vs. 4). Righteous thinking (vs. 5). Help to others (vs. 6). Recognition as being wise (vs. 8). Prosperous (vss. 9, 1...

Daily Nugget: In most of Proverbs 11, one will find the results that come from a good character trait or action. In the same verse, one will read about the consequences when the opposite is done. Good versus bad behaviors are not thought about much. After seeing how this Proverb puts the consequences of wrong actions plain and simple, one will realize even more the accuracy of the wisdom of God. One bit of advice in Proverbs 11:14 has protected many from making wrong decisions and can be guideline wisdom for future choices. This proverb is about seeking counsel (advice). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 The excellent advice when making life changes or choices is not to decide on your own. Seek multiple discernments that you can trust and are from those experienced in the area you are seeking sound advice. There is usually safety in numbers. One of the keys to getting good direction is seeking it from...

Daily Nugget: As with most Proverbs that have been read so far, the positive attributes of godly wisdom has been praised and recommended. Proverbs 10 also mentions other blessings in living by biblical wisdom, but this chapter goes into more detail for those that are not led by godly advice. We read that ungodly, do-it-yourself wisdom: Brings heartbreak to one’s mother (vs. 1). Brings no profit, especially in the next life (vss. 2, 3). Will bring little reward for laziness (vss. 4-5, 26). Brings violence into one’s life (vss. 6, 11). Causes a poor reputation and testimony (vss. 7, 9, 18, 20, 25, 31-32). Causes failure and poor decisions (vss. 8, 10, 14, 17, 24). Causes strife and division (vss. 12, 21). Has little discernment and understanding (vs. 13). Allows sin in one’s life (vss. 16, 23). Shortens life (vs. 27). Brings little hope and no heavenly, eternal future (vs. 28, 29, 30). After carefully reading Proverbs, including this chapter, one will find no benefic...

Daily Nugget: “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 8:7-9 This world contains all kinds of people. Two of those types are scorners and those that are biblically wise. Both groups are discussed in Proverbs 9. “Scorners” are those that refuse to hear advice or get mad or disrespectful when it is suggested that there are other directions or choices they could be making. They are set in their own ways and are often provoked to anger when told what they are doing is wrong. They especially do not like it when the Word of God rebukes their actions and beliefs. Those stubborn in doing what they want cannot usually be reasoned with or taught. They are closed-minded about God’s ways and His commandments. Corre...

Daily Nugget: The Bible-preserved wisdom of God is again recognized in this chapter as one of the most valuable treasures a person can ever possess. To many, the Scriptures are common sense and easily discerned as the only choice for a moral, especially a Christ-honoring, person. However, to an ever-increasing majority, this is not accepted. Since biblical morality is seldom taught in homes, churches, schools, and in public, another kind of “wisdom” has reared its confusing head and is leading masses in the wrong, often destruction, directions. This widespread thinking is to usually agree with the majority and that the only truth is what each individual believes is “right” at the time. This mob rule is controlling and often forsakes rational, God’s time-tested morality. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Prov. 12:15 Also: Deut. 12:8, Judges 17:6, 21:25, Prov. 21:2. Unfortunately, this modern philosophy is not standardized ...

Daily Nugget: After Proverbs 7 spent the first five verses reminding the reader how important godly wisdom is and how it should be heeded, a scene is described. A “simple” (vs. 7) young man, not led by any wisdom just his own fleshly desires, succumbed to the enticement of a prostitute. This harlot enticed this foolish young man who was possibly in a place he had no business being near (“near her corner” — vs. 8). She seduced him (vs. 10) and made him feel she was “religious’ (vs. 14) and thus more trustworthy and believable. She lied that he was the one she was looking for (vs. 15) and that helped set sin’s snare (vs. 21-22). His limited morals were discarded, and he was led “as an ox goeth to the slaughter.” He forgot all he had ever learned and was ruined by succumbing to his temptation. This story of this young man’s falling for temptation pictures how we all can be snared — both men and women. It may not be the allurement of a harlot that gets one far from heeding God’s pro...