Are we wisely preparing for Christ’s coming? Let’s begin in Proverbs 21.
Does God have ultimate control over what government leaders decide? Can He change their thoughts, like changing a stream’s course?
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. (Pr 21:1 ESV)
Do we all believe our way is right? Does the Lord judge our motives?
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. (Pr 21:2 HCSB)
What is more important to God than all the offerings made under the sacrificial system?
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. (Pr 21:3 ISV)
How does God judge the arrogance, pride and the actions of the wicked?
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. (Pr 21:4 KJV)
What are the results of a hardworking industrious life, versus those who chase a quick profit?
The thoughts of the diligent lead surely to profit, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. (Pr 21:5 LSB)
What happens to the plans of those who choose wealth gained by deceptive lies?
The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. (Pr 21:6 NASB)
Why do the bad things that evil people do eventually destroy them?
The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. (Pr 21:7 NIV)
What is the difference between guilty and pure people?
The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. (Pr 21:8 NKJV)
Why is a marriage based upon continual criticism rather than daily encouragement doomed to fail?
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. (Pr 21:9 NLT)
Do wicked people enjoy doing bad things? Do neighbors ever see any mercy from them?
The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. (Pr 21:10 WEB)
Do fools only learn from severe punishment, while the wise learn from just a hint?
When a mocker is punished, the naive person gains wisdom; when insight comes to the wise, knowledge increases. (Pr 21:11 CEB)
Does God always know what the wicked do and eventually punish them?
The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin. (Pr 21:12 ESV)
How important does God consider answering the cry of the poor?
The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered. (Pr 21:13 HCSB)
Does a secret bribe or payment calm even a very angry person?
Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger. (Pr 21:14 ISV)
What are the consequences of practicing justice or injustice?
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. (Pr 21:15 KJV)
What is the consequence of wandering from the path of wisdom?
A man who wanders from the way of insight Will rest in the assembly of the dead. (Pr 21:16 LSB)
What is the financial consequence of overspending on expensive luxuries?
One who loves pleasure will become a poor person; One who loves wine and oil will not become rich. (Pr 21:17 NASB)
When trouble comes will the wicked pay the penalty and not the righteous?
The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. (Pr 21:18 NIV)
Is life better alone in the desert than with a complaining spouse?
Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. (Pr 21:19 NKJV)
What is the difference in possessions between a spendthrift and a wise saver?
The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (Pr 21:20 NLT)
What are the consequences of choosing to do what is honest and kind?
He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. (Pr 21:21 WEB)
What does it take to have victory in life’s great battles?
A wise person fought a city of warriors and brought down the stronghold in which they felt safe. (Pr 21:22 CEB)
How wise is it to guard our mouths by being careful what we say?
Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble. (Pr 21:23 CEV)
Do proud people think that they are superior, and expose it by how they act?
“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. (Pr 21:24 ESV)
What is the consequence of being a lazy person who refuses to work?
A slacker’s craving will kill him because his hands refuse to work. (Pr 21:25 HCSB)
Are there two kinds of people, greedy takers and righteous givers?
All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back. (Pr 21:26 ISV)
Is a church offering from a wicked man just an abomination, but even worse when he brings it with ulterior motives?
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? (Pr 21:27 KJV)
Will lying witnesses eventually be discovered and fail, while one who listens to the truth will survive?
A false witness will perish, But the man who listens will speak forever. (Pr 21:28 LSB)
Do fraudsters often feign confidence, while an honest person thinks things through?
A wicked person displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. (Pr 21:29 NASB)
Can any mere human wisdom or understanding stand up against God?
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. (Pr 21:30 NIV)
Though our human weapons are prepared, who determines the outcome of a battle?
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord. (Pr 21:31 NKJV)
What made the difference between the five prepared virgins and five unprepared? Are we getting ready for the coming of the Bridegroom?
but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. (Mat 25:4 NLT)
Are we wisely preparing for Christ’s coming? You decide!
