Sayings of King Lemuel

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Don Merritt

Proverbs 31:1-9

This is the only mention of King Lemuel in all of Scripture, and quite honestly, we don’t know who he is, although there are some theories. The sayings are said to have been taught to him by his mother (31:1).

There is something tender and strong in the opening lines of Proverbs 31—
a mother’s voice rising like morning light,
gentle yet unyielding,
full of memory, warning, and love.

These are not merely royal instructions;
they are the echo of a woman who has prayed long for her son.
King Lemuel receives not policy, but maternal counsel—
a charge shaped by tears,
and by the costly wisdom of experience.

“Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.”

Here the text does not scorn love;
it guards covenant.
It warns against scattered devotion,
against desires that fracture the soul
and dilute a leader’s clarity.
For a ruler’s strength is not merely muscle or sword—
it is moral coherence,
the inward alignment of heart and action.
When affection is unmoored from faithfulness,
it becomes erosion rather than embrace.

The mother sees what her son cannot yet see:
that power without discipline is self-betrayal.

Then comes the sober refrain:

“It is not for kings to drink wine…
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed.”

This is not a condemnation of feasting,
but a warning against forgetfulness.
Intoxication clouds the mind,
and leaders are called to clarity.
When judgment falters,
the vulnerable suffer.

The maternal heartbeat of this passage pulses most clearly here:
justice is not an abstract virtue.
It is bread for the hungry,
protection for the voiceless,
advocacy for the forgotten.

“Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Notice the repetition—
open your mouth.
Not once, but twice.
The king must not only refrain from harm;
he must actively speak life.

The call is not merely to personal purity
but to public courage.

In these verses, the throne is redefined.
Royalty is not indulgence—
it is responsibility.
Authority is not self-exaltation—
it is guardianship.

And for those who do not wear crowns?
The text still sings to us.

Every parent who shapes a child with prayerful counsel,
every leader entrusted with influence,
every believer called to sober judgment and compassionate speech—
we stand within Lemuel’s hearing.

This passage invites us into three pastoral graces:

Integrity of heart — guarding desire so that strength is not squandered.
Clarity of mind — refusing anything that numbs our capacity for justice.
Courage of voice — speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Proverbs 31 does not begin with the virtuous woman.
It begins with a wise mother.
Before industry and excellence,
there is restraint and righteousness.
Before productivity,
there is justice.

In a world intoxicated with self,
this ancient counsel remains startlingly relevant:
Strength is preserved by discipline.
Power is sanctified by compassion.
Leadership is proven by advocacy.

And perhaps the deepest maternal note is this—
wisdom often comes to us not as thunder from heaven,
but as a remembered voice,
steady and loving,
calling us back to what is true.

“Open your mouth.”
“Guard your strength.”
“Remember the poor.”

May we hear the mother’s wisdom,
and in hearing,
become people whose lives defend the vulnerable
and reflect the righteous reign of God.

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Working Out What God Has Worked In

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Don Merritt

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:12–13

At first glance, Paul’s words may sound heavy: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” It can feel like pressure—like everything depends on us. But nestled right beside that command is one of the most comforting truths in Scripture: “for it is God who works in you.”

The command is rooted in love. Paul begins with, “my beloved.” This is not the language of a harsh taskmaster, but of a shepherd who cares deeply for his people. And more importantly, it reflects the heart of God toward us. We are His beloved.

To “work out” our salvation does not mean we earn it. Salvation is a gift secured by Christ’s finished work. What Paul describes is the unfolding of something already planted deep within us. Like a seed pushing through the soil, our salvation grows outward into daily life—into our choices, our attitudes, our obedience. And even that growth is sustained by God Himself.

God’s love is not distant or passive. He is not watching from afar, hoping we will get it right. He is actively at work within us—shaping our desires, strengthening our resolve, guiding our steps. The very longing you have to please Him? That is His love at work in you. The strength you find to resist temptation? His Spirit moving within you. The conviction that draws you back when you wander? His loving hand guiding you home.

“Fear and trembling” does not mean living in terror of God. It means living in awe of Him. It is the humble recognition that the holy, sovereign Creator has chosen to dwell within us. What astonishing love—that the God who rules the universe is personally committed to shaping our hearts.

And notice why He works in us: “for His good pleasure.” We often imagine God reluctantly putting up with us, but Scripture tells a different story; it brings Him joy to work in us. He delights in our growth, He takes pleasure in forming Christ within us. Our spiritual progress is not a burden to Him; it is His joy.

So today, take heart. You are not striving alone. Every step of obedience, every act of surrender, every quiet prayer is supported by the steady, loving work of God within you. Your responsibility is real—but it rests on the greater reality of His love.

Work out what He has lovingly worked in. Walk forward knowing that beneath every effort is the faithful, powerful, tender love of God.

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The Wisdom of Small Things

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Don Merritt

Proverbs 30 begins in an unexpected place — not with certainty, but with humility.

“Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding.” The voice of the chapter does not boast in knowledge. It confesses limitation. It asks questions no human can answer: Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?

The implied answer is simple: not us.

Before wisdom teaches us how to live, it teaches us where we stand. We are not sovereign. We are not all-seeing. We are not self-sufficient. True wisdom begins when we stop pretending otherwise.

And then comes a steady reassurance: “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” God’s word does not need our editing or embellishment. It is not fragile nor is it unfinished. We are warned not to add to it, as though eternal truth required our improvement.

There is rest in that; we do not carry the burden of perfecting what God has already spoken. We are invited simply to trust Him.

One of the most beautiful prayers in Scripture appears quietly in this chapter:

“Give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.” (30:8b)

It is a prayer against extremes. Too much wealth may lead to forgetting God. Too little may tempt us to dishonor Him. The request is not for abundance, nor for heroic deprivation, but for sufficiency.

Daily bread.

In a culture driven by more — more success, more security, more recognition — this prayer feels almost rebellious. It asks for balance; it asks for enough. It recognizes that both prosperity and desperation can distort the soul.

Wisdom is not always found in dramatic sacrifice or visible blessing. Often, it is found in quiet contentment.

Proverbs 30 also turns its gaze toward human pride. It describes a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother, a generation pure in its own eyes yet unwashed from its filth, a generation with haughty eyes and disdainful glances.

It is painfully familiar.

Self-deception is one of the oldest human habits. We can convince ourselves of our own virtue while ignoring the condition of our hearts. We can mistake confidence for righteousness and independence for strength.

The chapter does not condemn from a distance; it exposes patterns so we may recognize them in ourselves. Wisdom requires honesty. It asks us to look inward before we point outward.

There is also a reflection on insatiable things — realities that never say, “Enough.” The grave, the barren womb, the thirsty earth, the fire.

Desire, left unchecked, behaves the same way. It consumes without satisfaction. It grows louder the more it is fed. Not all longing is wrong, but wisdom teaches us to examine what drives us. Are we guided by gratitude, or by endless appetite?

Then, in one of the most charming movements of the chapter, we are directed to the smallest of creatures.

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise.” (30:24)

Ants store their provisions in summer.
Hyraxes make their homes in the rocks.
Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks.
A lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

None of these creatures are impressive by human standards. They are vulnerable, even fragile. Yet they embody wisdom.

The ants teach preparation.
The rock-dwellers teach refuge.
The locusts teach cooperation.
The lizard teaches persistence — bold enough to inhabit places far grander than itself.

God has woven instruction into creation. Wisdom is not reserved for scholars and rulers; it is visible in the rhythms of nature. If we are attentive, even the smallest life can instruct us.

The chapter closes with images of strength and dignity — a lion, mighty among beasts; a strutting rooster; a goat on a hillside; a king secure against revolt. There is something noble about steady confidence. True authority does not need to bluster. It stands firm because it is grounded.

Yet the final words return to restraint. “If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth.”  (30:32) Just as churning milk produces butter and twisting the nose produces blood, stirring up anger produces strife.

It is a vivid reminder that conflict rarely appears from nowhere. It is churned, provoked, stirred. Wisdom sometimes looks like silence. Sometimes it looks like self-control. Sometimes it looks like choosing not to inflame what could be calmed.

Proverbs 30 does not read like a neat essay. It is a collection of observations — prayers, warnings, questions, and images from nature. Yet a single thread holds it together: humility before God leads to clarity about life.

When we remember that we are not the One who gathers the wind or wraps the waters in a cloak, we are freed from pretending. We can pray for daily bread without shame. We can resist pride. We can learn from ants. We can recognize dangerous appetites. We can choose restraint over strife.

Wisdom, this chapter reminds us, is not loud. It is not always grand. Often, it is small. It is steady. it is enough.

It begins with knowing who God is — and who we are not.

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A Moment’s Reflection

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Don Merritt

Has God been filling your life with blessings?  Has he given you peace in a tough situation?

Well, you see what I mean by reflection…

We spend so much time and energy running ourselves ragged these days, and so much of our lives just rushes by in a sort of blur; we need a moment, so it’s time to seize the moment.  Let’s give thanks to God for all He is doing in our lives, let’s thank Him for all of the ways He’s blessed us.  Let’s recall the great things He has done, like sending His Son to die for our sins.  Let’s take a minute to give Him the praise that is His due for all He is doing in His Body, the Church.  Let’s praise Him for all of those who have come to know Him recently, and for those who continue to grow in their faith, stepping up to lead His people forward to accomplish His purpose.

Let’s take another minute or two to ask Him for the gospel to continue to move forward, that hearts and minds everywhere would be changed, that lives would be given over to Him.

Most of all, let’s take a few moments to sit by His side and ask Him to give us continued strength to go forward in our walk with Him.  Let’s be refreshed in His presence and be renewed in His love.

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When Righteousness Rises

Posted on June 2, 2026 by Don Merritt

Proverbs 29 reads like a mirror held up to the soul of a nation—and to the private chambers of the human heart. It speaks of kings and servants, discipline and pride, anger and wisdom. Yet beneath its practical instruction flows something deeper: a call to alignment with truth.

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
    when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (v. 1)

Leadership is not merely political—it is spiritual. Wherever righteousness governs—whether in a nation, a home, a workplace, or a single heart—there is rejoicing. Peace follows integrity, justice breathes life into communities; but where selfishness, corruption, or pride rule, something withers. Joy grows thin, trust erodes, Mourning settles in quietly.

Proverbs 29 reminds us that authority is stewardship. Influence is responsibility. Every decision shapes the climate around us.

The Discipline of Love

The chapter speaks plainly about correction:

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (1:1)

There is a quiet danger in refusing wisdom. Correction feels uncomfortable, sometimes humbling. Yet it is an invitation, not an insult. To reject it repeatedly is to close windows against light.

Discipline, though stern, is a form of love. It guards the future. It shapes character. It bends pride before pride becomes a breaking point.

Where there is no guidance, people wander.
Where there is no correction, consequences teach more harshly.

The Snare of Fear

One of the most piercing lines in this chapter whispers a truth we often try to ignore:

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (v. 25)

How many decisions are shaped by the need for approval?
How many words remain unspoken because we tremble before human opinion?

Fear entangles, it narrows courage, it silences conviction; trust expands the soul. When confidence rests in God rather than applause, freedom begins. We speak more honestly, we live more fully, we walk more steadily.

Safety is not found in popularity, it is found in trust.

Anger and Understanding

Proverbs 29 draws a sharp line between the foolish and the wise:

“Fools give full vent to their rage,
    but the wise bring calm in the end. (v. 11)

Restraint is strength. Silence can be wisdom. Not every thought deserves expression, and not every emotion demands release. The wise weigh their words before they give them wings.

Anger ignites quickly; understanding takes patience, but it is patience that preserves relationships and protects peace.

A Vision for Living

Perhaps the most quoted verse in this chapter is this:

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (v. 18a KJV)

Vision is more than ambition—it is divine direction. It is the clarity that comes from listening to God’s instruction. Without it, people drift; with it, they flourish.

Vision keeps us from scattering our energy on lesser things. It anchors purpose. It gives endurance when the road is long.

A Final Reflection

Proverbs 29 does not shout; it steadies. It reminds us that righteousness matters—in public life and private thought. That humility protects, that discipline saves, that trust liberates.

It calls us to examine who rules within us.

Is it pride or wisdom?
Fear or faith?
Impulse or understanding?

When righteousness rises—even quietly within one heart—rejoicing begins.

And perhaps that is where transformation always starts.

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BONUS POST: Wisdom Wrapped in Wise Sayings

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Don Merritt

Scripture tells us in 1 Kings that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs. Across the centuries, wise men and women have cherished short sayings—brief lines packed with meaning, guidance, and truth. Even Paul, in his letters, uses phrases he calls “faithful” and “trustworthy,” words we can lean on when life feels uncertain.

We need truths like that—truths sturdy enough for everyday living and memorable enough to carry with us. The opening lines of Proverbs tell us exactly why these sayings matter:

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair (Proverbs 1:1–6)

Later, Proverbs paints one of the most beautiful portraits of wisdom in all of Scripture:

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold… She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:13–18)

What a picture that is. We often chase material gain, and Proverbs doesn’t deny that earthly things have their place. But it reminds us that the “merchandise” of wisdom—the return it brings—is better than silver, gold, rubies, or anything else we could desire.

Wisdom is portrayed with two open hands:

• In her right hand, long life.

• In her left, riches and honor.

And the path she walks is marked by pleasantness, peace, and life. No wonder the writer says, “Happy are those who find wisdom.”

Proverbs also draws a sharp contrast: “A good person obtains the favor of the Lord, but a person of wicked devices will he condemn.”

If we long for God’s favor—and what favor could be more valuable?—then we must walk in His ways. The father in Proverbs assures his child:

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:4)

Wisdom is not simply information. It is formation. It shapes the heart, steadies the mind, and guides the steps of those who seek it. Scripture promises that those who take hold of wisdom will find blessing—not only in the life to come, but in the life they are living right now.

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The Glory of God’s Creation

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Don Merritt

God’s creation of the universe around us and the world in which we live is truly an awesome thing to behold.  The universe is unimaginably huge, full of stars, galaxies and wonders.  Our world, the earth, is amazing in every way, the seas, the mountains, vegetation, wildlife and even our own bodies and how they work: Amazing!

Perhaps the most amazing thing of all… or maybe I should say what makes the Creation so very awesome, is the fact that in it we see God’s glory.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

To look upon the universe that has been created, is to look upon the very power, qualities, and nature of God, not in some sort of mystical sense; the creation itself is surely not God, but in the sense that God has demonstrated His essence in the creation.  No wonder the power of the sea is so breath-taking!  No wonder we gaze at great mountains with awe, and at pastures and fields with wonder!  In each of these, God has shown us something of Himself, just as He has in plant and animal life.

The only rational question is this: How can anyone look at these things and deny Him?

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Living in the Presence of God

Posted on May 30, 2026 by Don Merritt

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1–4

There are moments in life when the noise of the world feels overwhelming. Responsibilities press in. News unsettles us. Personal struggles cloud our vision. In such seasons, Paul’s words to the Colossians speak with gentle but steady clarity: Seek the things that are above.

Paul does not say this as an escape from reality, but as a reorientation of it. Because we have been raised with Christ, our lives now have a different center. Our identity is no longer anchored in circumstances, achievements, or failures. It is anchored in Christ Himself. And Christ is not distant. He is seated at the right hand of God — reigning, present, interceding.

To “seek the things that are above” is not to withdraw from earthly responsibilities. Rather, it is to live them out from the reality of God’s presence. It means remembering that every ordinary moment — work, conversation, prayer, service — unfolds before the face of God.

Paul goes even deeper: “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This is one of the most tender and profound truths in all of Scripture. Our life is hidden. Safe. Secure. Held.

In a world that constantly demands visibility and validation, God offers something better — security in His presence. Our truest life is not exposed to the shifting winds of opinion or success. It is hidden with Christ. Hidden does not mean absent. It means protected, enveloped, sustained.

Sometimes we may not feel God’s presence. Trials can obscure our awareness, yet this passage reminds us that our union with Christ is an objective reality. Whether we sense it or not, we are held within the very life of God. Christ is not merely an example to follow; He is our life.

Notice how Paul describes Jesus: “Christ who is your life.” Not merely a part of your life, not simply an influence; He is your life. The presence of God is not an occasional visitation — it is the very atmosphere of the believer’s existence.

This transforms how we face hardship. When anxiety rises, we remember our life is hidden in Him. When temptation pulls us downward, we lift our eyes to where Christ is. When discouragement whispers that we are alone, we recall that we dwell in the presence of the risen Lord.

There is hope anchored in the future: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” The hidden life will one day be revealed. What is now unseen will become radiant. The presence we trust by faith will be experienced in fullness.

Until that day, we practice His presence; we set our minds on things above. We return our attention to Christ throughout the day. We remind ourselves that our true life is not found in what fades, but in the One who reigns.

Today, whatever you are carrying, pause and remember: You are not navigating this world alone. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. Lift your eyes, seek Him, rest in His nearness.

He is your life.

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Walking in Integrity

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Don Merritt

Proverbs 28 reminds us that integrity shapes the quality of our lives. “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion” (v.1). When we live with hidden sin, fear follows us. Yet when we walk honestly before God, we gain a quiet, steady courage.

The chapter also teaches that character is more valuable than wealth. “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse” (v.6). Success in God’s eyes is not measured by possessions, but by integrity.

One of the most hopeful promises appears in verse 13: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” God invites us to come honestly before Him. Confession is not defeat—it is the doorway to mercy and restoration.

Proverbs 28 calls us to live boldly, walk uprightly, confess quickly, and trust God fully. When we choose integrity, we choose peace.

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Abiding in His Love

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Don Merritt

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

There is something deeply comforting about the image Jesus gives us in John 15:5. He does not describe us as workers striving in a field, or soldiers fighting in a battle. He calls us branches—connected, supported, and sustained by a living vine.

A branch does not struggle to produce fruit by sheer effort. It simply remains attached. Its life flows from the vine. In the same way, our strength, wisdom, peace, and purpose flow from Christ. Apart from Him, we wither under the weight of self-reliance. But in Him, we flourish.

At the heart of this connection is God’s love.

The vine does not ration its life to the branches, but freely gives; so, it is with God. His love is not earned by our productivity, nor withdrawn when we feel weak. It is constant, nourishing, and faithful. Even when we feel fruitless, His love still flows toward us, inviting us to remain.

To “abide” means to stay, to dwell, to make our home in Him. It is not about striving harder but about trusting deeper. When we rest in God’s love—when we remember that we are already held, already known, already cherished—fruit becomes a natural outgrowth of relationship rather than obligation.

Love produces love, grace produces gratitude. Connection produces fruit.

Today, if you feel tired or discouraged, hear Jesus’ gentle invitation: Stay with Me. Let My love sustain you. You were never meant to grow on your own.

Lord, thank You for being the true Vine. Forgive me for the times I try to live apart from You. Help me to abide in Your love and trust that Your life is flowing through me. Bear fruit in my life that reflects Your goodness and grace. Amen.

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