Words
When reading through Proverbs, one can’t help but perceive a handful of predominant and recurring themes. One of the most persistent sets of exhortations relates to our chronic tendency to say too much. Over one hundred seventy inspired proverbs seek to impress on our hearts that fools are “babblers,” and the wicked are “rash” with their words, but the wise “restrain their tongues”. We are warned in dozens of ways that “When words are many, transgression is not lacking.”
Sounds easy – say less, and you’ll sin less – but it’s not. It may be simple, but it’s certainly not effortless. The words of a gossip, for instance, are said to be “delicious morsels.” We love to hear them, and in turn, we find an evil pleasure in feeding them to the ears of our friends. But as with food, our gluttonous hearts must learn to show restraint. It is easy to dispense our critical, cutting, or belittling commentary in just about any situation, but the wisdom of Proverbs tells us, “Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
So, whether it’s the exaggeration of self-promotion, the belittling of gossip, or the expedience of betraying a confidence, let us all take to heart the wisdom of God, which promises that “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life,” but the one “who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
-- Pastor Mike
Click Here to visit Focal Point Ministries' website
February 2026January 202601/26/2026
Discover how Moses' initial reluctance and excuses mirrored our own struggles with inadequacy when called to divine tasks, highlighting God's consistent promise to empower and equip the faithful. Explore the powerful lesson that when faced with fear and doubt, God's provision is always sufficient for His commands, encouraging you to step forward in faith.
01/19/2026
Discover how to powerfully defend the Christian faith with gentleness and respect, embodying Christ's victory rather than resorting to unproductive arguments. Learn to maintain godly decorum and ensure your defense of truth reflects the love, joy, and peace of the Spirit, even when facing challenges.
01/12/2026
"The world promises happiness through possessions and experiences, but this article reveals why such pursuits are ultimately empty and disappointing. Discover the biblical perspective that true fulfillment and lasting joy can only be found by turning away from worldly illusions and seeking God."
01/05/2026
Discover the profound distinction between intelligence and wisdom, and why cultivating the latter is essential for navigating life's daily challenges with thoughtful action and godly purpose. Explore practical insights on how to acquire this supreme virtue and live life as intended.
December 202512/29/2025
Discover the surprising biblical reason why God detests pride, even in its most subtle forms, and understand its profound connection to the origin of sin. Learn how embracing humility unlocks true joy, fulfillment, and divine favor in your life.
12/22/2025
Discover the Herodians, a group closely aligned with Sadducees and Judean royalty, whose desire to maintain the status quo led them to oppose Jesus. Explore how their fear of change mirrors modern resistance and understand why Jesus warned his followers to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
12/15/2025
Explore the historical context of the Zealots, a militant group hoping for a military Messiah to overthrow Roman rule, and discover Jesus' contrasting perspective on earthly kingdoms versus divine authority. Understand why misplaced hope in earthly power led to devastating consequences and how this ancient lesson offers profound guidance for modern believers.
12/08/2025
Discover how the ancient Pharisees' rigid adherence to man-made rules, often contradicting divine law, ultimately led them to reject Jesus. Explore the modern parallels and the vital lesson on finding salvation not in religiosity, but in God's grace through faith.
12/01/2025
Explore the ancient Sadducees' restrictive beliefs about God and the afterlife, contrasting their limited understanding with Jesus' powerful refutation. Discover how their denial of resurrection and eternal hope mirrors modern debates, offering a timely reminder to anchor our faith in the unwavering truth of Scripture.
November 202511/24/2025
Embracing Christian faith inevitably reshapes your friendships, leading to a natural division as Jesus foretold, but don't despair as God promises to replace lost connections with those who share your devotion. Discover how to navigate this transition and find new, spiritually aligned relationships as you stand firm in your faith.
11/17/2025
Why does suffering persist when a just God could intervene? Discover how Scripture reveals God's patient grace in "delayed justice" and a profound hope for ultimate rectification. Read more to understand God's heart and His ultimate plan for the world.
11/10/2025
Discover how the Bible emphasizes God's purposeful plan and how embracing a "planner" mindset can help you achieve more for Christ. Learn practical steps to reflect godly virtues through effective planning and execution, leading to greater accomplishments than you might imagine.
11/03/2025
Discover why God calls us to be conduits, not cul-de-sacs, and how embracing involvement for others can lead to greater blessings. Explore the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone to impact lives for the greater good.
October 202510/27/2025
Discover the tangible reality of our future eternal home, the New Jerusalem, and how understanding this biblical hope can profoundly impact your daily life. Explore how a clear vision of Christ's coming kingdom provides concrete motivation and fulfillment for believers today.
10/20/2025
Discover how the perfection of God, as reflected in Psalm 18, inspires a transformative journey towards greater godliness in your own life. Explore the profound connection between serving a perfect God and the Holy Spirit's work in shaping your attitudes and actions to become more like His.
10/13/2025
Discover the true biblical meaning of Christian freedom, understanding it not as liberation from commandments, but from the penalty of sin. Explore how this profound freedom from sin's consequences calls us to a deeper service and obedience to our Redeemer.
10/06/2025
Discover how a hopeful perspective on the end times can empower you with courage for today's challenges, reminding you of Christ's ultimate victory and coming reign. Explore the assurance of God's perfect governance and the fulfillment of His promises, offering profound joy as He renews all things.
September 202509/29/2025
True worship is a challenging act that requires acknowledging God's sovereignty over all good things in life, rather than attributing their origin to ourselves. By recognizing God as the generous Benefactor who bestows blessings, we can humbly express gratitude and surrender our pride, leading to a more authentic and pleasing form of worship.
09/22/2025
When uncertainty and doubt creep into our lives, it's essential to remember that God's faithfulness is unwavering. By affirming His character and promises, we can find confidence in His sovereignty and timing, even when the world around us seems uncertain.
09/15/2025
Sharing your struggles with a fellow Christian can bring transformative strength and sustenance through collective prayer and intercession, as revealed in 2 Corinthians 1:11. By opening up about your hurts, you not only bypass God's ordained support system but also enable others to give thanks for His gracious answer, leading to a broader circle of prayer and hope.
09/08/2025
Faith in Christ is often misunderstood as mere optimism, but it's actually a thoughtful confidence that God is in control of all aspects of life. By embracing this perspective, believers can trust that God's sovereign purpose will prevail, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity.
09/01/2025
The Bible emphasizes boldness as a key virtue of a godly person, contrary to the common misconception that timidity is valued. By embracing boldness, Christians can stand up for truth and be counted among those who fear God more than men, as encouraged by Scripture.
August 202508/25/2025
As the New Testament letter of 1 John warns, idolatry can take many forms in modern life, threatening to supplant our commitment to God with competing priorities. By recognizing the subtle ways idols can infiltrate our lives and making a conscious effort to prioritize Christ, we can maintain a healthy devotion to Him and avoid being distracted by the allure of lesser things.
08/18/2025
When facing tough times, many of us tend to isolate ourselves, but biblical teachings like 2 Corinthians 1 show that suffering can be a team effort. By opening up and letting others know we need their help and prayers, we not only receive comfort from God but also become better equipped to support others in their own struggles.
08/11/2025
Jesus emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith openly and authentically, warning against blending in with the world. By standing out and sharing the transformative power of Christianity, individuals can make a lasting impact for eternity.
08/04/2025
Anxiety can be a debilitating mental state that hinders productivity and prevents restful sleep, but the Bible offers a solution through the discipline of prayer, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7. By redirecting our mental energies towards God, we can experience the peace that transcends all understanding and guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
July 202507/28/2025
A recent article promotes a misguided approach to reading the Bible, urging readers to ignore passages that make them uncomfortable in order to conform to modern sensibilities. However, the Bible was not written for personal enjoyment, but rather to convey God's truth and command obedience, as emphasized by Scripture itself.
07/21/2025
As Christians, our daily work is not just a means to an end, but a sacred act of service to our King, deserving of wholehearted effort and dedication. By recognizing God's watchful eye in every task, we can bring him glory and purposefully fulfill our heavenly assignments, regardless of the job's perceived importance or mundane nature.
07/14/2025
The misuse of sacred words has become a pervasive issue in modern culture, with people carelessly using holy names and phrases as expletives, stripping them of their intended reverence and weight. By recognizing the spiritual significance of our words and making a conscious effort to choose language that honors God, we can transform our speech into a powerful tool for worship and holiness.
07/07/2025
The Bible presents a profound perspective on reality, suggesting that the unseen aspects of existence are far more significant than the physical world we can see and touch. By recognizing the impermanence of the current universe and the eternal nature of the non-physical realm, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own spiritual existence and the ultimate purpose of human life.
June 202506/30/2025
A frustrated psalmist finds unexpected relief when he enters the sanctuary of God, discovering a profound shift in perspective that resolves his daily struggles and inequities. By reaffirming our commitment to regular worship and community, we can tap into this same transformative power and keep our lives, hearts, and emotions grounded in God's essential prescription for life.
06/23/2025
Regularly reading the entire Bible from cover to cover is a vital discipline for a healthy Christian life, allowing individuals to grasp the "big picture" of God's character and values. By doing so, Christians can develop a deeper understanding of God's nature and resist false teachings that distort His image, ultimately strengthening their faith.
06/16/2025
God's promise to never leave or forsake his children serves as a powerful assurance that frees Christians from timid lives, empowering them to confidently live out their faith and make a difference in the world. By embracing this truth, believers can cast off excuses and dive into the high calling of living for Christ with all their hearts.
06/09/2025
The Bible reveals the remarkable story of Epaphroditus, a faithful and loyal friend to Apostle Paul who embodied a beautiful character despite facing exhaustion and criticism. By honoring individuals like Epaphroditus, we can rediscover the value of selfless service and recognize those with attractive hearts in our own lives.
06/02/2025
Christianity's foundation is rooted in the reliability of the biblical documents, which accurately predicted Jesus' life and ministry through numerous prophecies. By examining the credibility of these ancient manuscripts, believers can overcome doubts and confidently stand on the solid ground of Scripture.
May 202505/26/2025
The Book of Acts presents a stark contrast to modern notions of "respectful outreach" and "compassionate evangelism," revealing a bold and unapologetic approach to sharing the Gospel that prioritizes proclaiming Christ's message over polite conversation. By examining the historical context of early Christian missions, this article challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of what it means to be a faithful messenger of the Good News.
05/19/2025
God's answers to prayer are not always what we expect, as the Bible shows through examples like Israel's request for a king. By being honest about our limitations and trusting in God's wisdom, we can learn to pray with flexibility and humility, seeking His will rather than our own interests.
05/12/2025
The Bible presents a profound perspective on reality, suggesting that the unseen aspects of existence are far more significant than the physical world we can see and touch. By recognizing the non-physical nature of God and our own spirits, believers can gain a deeper understanding of their eternal significance and the true value of human life.
05/05/2025
The Bible warns us about our tendency to be spiritually insensitive, neglecting to critically evaluate ourselves while being quick to point out others' flaws. By examining God's word as a mirror of our own lives, we can overcome this dangerous practice and develop the humility needed to confront our own sins and shortcomings.
In these final days of human history, you need biblical clarity about the prophecies being fulfilled all around you. Get clear answers about your future from one of the Bible's most misunderstood books. Get real clarity for real questions about the end times.
Be sure to request the book The Revelation Answer Book by Mark Hitchcock and understand Revelation the way God intended.
