Places People Slept

Introduction

With Christmas fast approaching, I realized that I can now listen to Matthew's 4th CD.  

The theme that year was Christmas songs, which was nice as a Christmas present but can be rough to listen to in July.  I usually exclude that CD from my playlists for 99% of the year.  Then on Christmas Eve, I play it.  However, most of the popular Christmas Carols were written well after the Bible.  For example Away In A Manger probably originated from German Lutherans around 1885.  So, I wasn't sure how good of a topic that would have made.  

However, since I was on the music theme, it reminded me of my goal to attend 50 concerts.  This goal came about after some high school friends, John Principe and Ken Allen, challenged me to share my top 50 concerts.  I failed.  The failure was mainly due to the fact that I only went to concerts during a small window from when I could drive to when I went to college and never made it to 50.  As an adult, I am trying to correct the error of my ways and get to, at least, 50 concerts.

However, we already did a study on Music at Solomon's Colonnade.  So, that was out.  The good thing is that the 50 concerts reminded me of my goal to spent a night in all 50 states.  This goal came about after my mom needed an ice breaker for a business meeting.  She gave a prize to the employee who had slept in the most states, which not only got everyone chatting about where they had been, but also made my mom realize she was only a couple of states away from getting all 50.  When I went with her to Alaska to get her 50th state, the quest became mine.

Here is a chart about how the family is doing with sleeping in each state.  Mom is the only one to sleep in North Dakota and Vermont.

With the ideas of Christmas, music, and sleeping dancing in my head, I figured I had landed on a topic that could have enough verses in the Bible for a study and kind of relates to the month of December.

 

Away in a manger

No crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus

Laid down His sweet head

 

The stars in the bright sky

Looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay

~ circa 1885

Here are my top 12 verses on Places People Slept:

Jesus On Places People Slept

Matthew 8:20 King James Version

20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Mark 4:38-39 King James Version

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Luke 22:45-46 King James Version

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

John 11:11-13 King James Version

11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Places People Slept In The New Testament

Matthew 27:52-53 King James Version

52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Luke 9:30-32 King James Version

30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

Acts 12:6 King James Version

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Acts 20:9 King James Version

9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

Places People Slept In The Old Testament

Genesis 2:21 King James Version

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

Judges 4:21 King James Version

21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

Psalm 4:8 King James Version

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Jonah 1:5 King James Version

5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

There are a lot of choices to pick from on the sleep theme.  However, many of them equate sleep with death.  For example, most of the slept verses in the Old Testament are about the deaths of the Kings of Israel, as each one died and "slept with his fathers."  I tried to steer away from those verses and stick with ones that seemed to indicate an actual place of rest, like the Garden of Eden, a tent, safe places, and even a boat.  I got a kick out of the fact that both Jonah and Jesus could sleep on a boat while all the other passengers were going crazy.

Most of the New Testament verses about sleep also relate to death.  Perhaps the idea is to remind us that death is just a temporary period between life and afterlife.  In any case, it was nice that Luke included some actual sleeping, helping me get 4 verses from the New Testament.  Most of the sleep verses are in the Old Testament except when it come to being asleep, then the New Testament dominates.

88 Bible results for “sleep” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (61)
• New Testament (27)

49 Bible results for “slept” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (44)
• New Testament (5)

16 Bible results for “asleep” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (4)
• New Testament (12)

32 results for “sleep” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

11 results for “asleep” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

3 results for “slept” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

Scripture contributions for December 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Counsel

Introduction

I had made it my purpose to write a chess book during the pandemic since the chess club is still closed.  However, it is a harder task than I expected and I have not gotten it done.  The first chapter is about C.H.E.S.S. Goals and how to use them to succeed.  I even used them to finally lose over 100 pounds.  So, I thought I should apply them to the book and see if they could work there too. 

 

The first letter in the CHESS acronym is C, which stands for Counsel.  So, I am seeking counselors who might have advice on writing a book.  The first item on which you can weigh-in is about the cover.  I was thinking about using this guy.  My son created him when we were making the Chess Parables DVD.  Kind of cute, eh?  He should bring in the buyers.

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Here are my top 12 verses on Counsel:

Jesus On Counsel

Mark 4:24 King James Version

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Luke 7:28-30 King James Version

28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

John 14:26 King James Version

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Revelation 3:18-19 King James Version

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Counsel In The New Testament

Luke 23:50-51 King James Version

50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

Acts 5:38 King James Version

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

Hebrews 3:13 King James Version

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

James 1:19 King James Version

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Counsel In The Old Testament

Proverbs 1:5 King James Version

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 15:22 King James Version

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Proverbs 20:18 King James Version

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Isaiah 47:13-14 King James Version

13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.

14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

Counsel is a lot more common in the Old Testament than the New Testament.  However, I stuck with my usual goal of getting 4 verses from the Old Testament.  I went with Proverbs and Isaiah as they are the top sources in the OT.  Proverbs even has one of my favorite verses:  Proverbs 20:18.  I used this verse to commemorate my first place finish in the Colorado Closed chess tournament, where I earned one of my Candidate Master norms.

The New Testament had a more sparse selection from which to choose.  I found some other ideas like listening and exhortation that seems to fit the counsel theme.  They also drive home the point that the source of the counsel is important and that not all advice is beneficial.

182 Bible results for “counsel” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (159)
• New Testament (23)

Top 3 Old Testament Books with Bible results for “counsel” from King James Version.

• Isaiah (25)
• Psalm (20)
• Proverbs (17)

9 Bible results for “advice” from King James Version.

22 results for “counsel” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

6 results for “advice” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

Scripture contributions for November 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Power

Introduction

This month my son is having me read the "48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene since he mentions the Bible in the book.  So far, I have I read about the first five laws, which include laws like Never Outshine The Master and Always Say Less Than Necessary.  With that in mind, I will hold my tongue and let the Master speak for himself.

Power finds a way to those who take a stand - Triumph

Ok, I will just add one more thought before I share the verses:  I think Moses did a better job saying less than necessary with his 10 Commandments than Robert did with his 48 Laws.

Here are my top 12 verses on Power:

Jesus On Power

Matthew 22:29 King James Version

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Mark 2:10 King James Version

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

Luke 12:5 King James Version

5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

John 19:11 King James Version

11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Power In The New Testament

Acts 1:8 King James Version

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

1 Corinthians 2:5 King James Version

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Hebrews 4:12 King James Version

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Revelation 6:4 King James Version

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Power In The Old Testament

Exodus 9:16 King James Version

16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

2 Kings 17:36 King James Version

36 But the Lord, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 King James Version

8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Jeremiah 32:17 King James Version

17 Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

Power is one of those topics that occur everywhere in the Bible.  I chose verses from the 4 major sections of the Old Testament:  Torah, History, Wisdom, and Prophecy.  I chose verses from each of the Gospels:  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  I picked 4 books from the New Testament:  Acts, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, and Revelation.  

One of the ideas that struck me was that there are 2 key times when power is mentioned in the Bible:  the Exodus and the End Times.  A common theme with these events is God's power to destroy slavery.  First, God uses the plagues of Egypt to free the nation of Israel from Pharaoh.  Then, God uses the plagues of Revelation to free his kingdom from Satan.

A symbol of power is the sword.  Revelation uses this imagery often.  Paul even compares the power of the Word Of God to a sword.  

I enjoyed this metaphor and even used it to make the CD cover art for my son when we were collecting songs about Hope.  However, the sword seemed even more appropriate for the Power topic.  So, I have added the image to this month's blog.  It has become the unofficial logo for Solomon's Colonnade.

275 Bible results for “power” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (119)
• New Testament (156)

Top 3 New Testament Books with Bible results for “power” from King James Version.

• Revelation (30)
• 1 Corinthians (19)
• Luke (19)

Top 3 Old Testament Books with Bible results for “power” from King James Version.

• Psalm (23)
• Daniel (12)
• Job (11)

72 results for “power” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

Scripture contributions for October 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Luck

Introduction

Since I have gotten behind getting the Bible study out, I thought we would do a quick one week study to get September's topic done before we pick October's topic.  Of course, it turned into a two week study before I finally got my act together.

 

I think my son and I talked about his unlucky friend when we picked September's topic.  It reminded me of a book I had as a child called, "What Good Luck, What Bad Luck!"  It is a story of a child whose adventure bounces back and forth from good events to bad events.  However, my son's friend is the epitome of the expression, "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."

Cal Family - "Aunt Scott" & "Mama Brooks"

The expression is also appropriate for the 2021 Cal Bears football season.  The team has one win in the first six games.  While the games are close and have been very exciting, the fortuity has not gone our way.  I took a picture before the TCU game and the good luck was that I correctly predicted the final score of the game.  The bad luck was that I had the players' family members standing in the wrong places and Cal lost 32 to 34.  Next time, I will get a picture with Chase Garbers' mom (#7).

Here are my top 12 verses on Luck:

Jesus On Luck

Matthew 6:34 King James Version

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Luke 10:31-33 King James Version

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

Luke 13:4-5 King James Version

4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 23:34 King James Version 

34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Luck In The New Testament

Acts 1:26 King James Version

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Romans 8:28 King James Version

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1 Corinthians 15:35-37 King James Version

35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

James 4:14-15 King James Version

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Luck In The Old Testament

Leviticus 16:8-10 King James Version

8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.

10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

1 Samuel 6:8-9 King James Version

8 And take the ark of the Lord, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.

9 And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.

Proverbs 16:33 King James Version

33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 King James Version

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

The good luck was that my son came up with a topic for September.  The bad luck was that the topic was not in the Bible.  I checked several translations and came up empty.  The good luck was that I found one version with "luck" in it.  The bad luck was that it only had one verse from the Apocrypha: Sirach 8:19 - Do not reveal your thoughts to every one, lest you drive away your good luck.  Maybe I should have kept this topic a secret. 

0 Bible results for “luck” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (0)
• New Testament (0)

0 Bible results for “luck” from New American Standard Bible 1995.

• Old Testament (0)
• New Testament (0)

0 Bible results for “luck” from New International Version.

• Old Testament (0)
• New Testament (0)

1 Bible results for “luck” from Revised Standard Version.

• Old Testament (0)
• New Testament (0)
• Apocrypha (1)

7 Bible results for “chance” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (5)
• New Testament (2)

0 results for “luck” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.  Although, one result appeared in the search results since "Pluck" contains the word "luck."

Scripture contributions for September 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson 

Labor

Introduction

One of the least favored holidays has to be Labor Day.  I mean, would anyone put it in their top three?  Top five?  Top Ten?  The only thing I think of regarding Labor Day was that it was the start of the chess season in Colorado.  The Colorado State Chess Association would hold their annual meeting and most prestigious tournament, the Colorado Open, on Labor Day weekend.  The 2021 Colorado Open was a disaster.  Local chess player and author of Tactics Time, Tim Brennan, summed it up this way:

Unfortunately, the tournament was not very well run.  There was an overwhelming number of new players (60+), computer issues, and not enough help.  The pairings were late, wrong, and in some cases nonexistent.  The open section had to skip a round because they could not get the pairings right.  People were paired in the wrong section, more than one section, and requests for half point byes were ignored, leading to unnecessary forfeit wins.

For example, I requested a third-round bye because I had a fantasy football draft Saturday evening.  I ended up getting paired against Jeff Baffo, who had to sit around and wait to claim a forfeit win, and then the next day the pairing sheet showed that I had won the game, when I wasn’t even there!

The event used to be 3 days to correspond with the day off on Monday.  However, too many chess players were caught up in all the festivities and celebrations of Labor Day that no one would show up for the final round.  Nah!  Just kidding, nobody had plans for that holiday.  It has no catchy hook to reel in the masses.  So, I thought maybe there was a Biblical connection.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands

While Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, they are open on Labor Day.  My son got his first job there.  My first job was at Dairy Queen.  I don't have a photo of my first day, but I did get to eat the labour of mine hands too!

Here are my top 12 verses on Labor:

Jesus On Labor

Matthew 9:37 King James Version

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Matthew 11:28 King James Version

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Luke 10:7 King James Version

7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

John 6:27 King James Version 

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Labor In The New Testament

Acts 20:35 King James Version

35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

2 Thessalonians 3:8-10 King James Version

8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Hebrews 4:11 King James Version

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

James 5:4 King James Version

4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Labor In The Old Testament

Exodus 20:9 King James Version

9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

Psalm 128:2 King James Version

2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 King James Version

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 King James Version

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

There are nearly twice as many references for labor in the OT than the NT with most of them coming from the Wisdom literature.  So, I focused the OT choices on the Wisdom section, especially Ecclesiastes which includes one of my favorite chess verses.  Jesus has several references but none in the Book of Mark.  Paul dominates the NT mentions, even surpassing the total from Ecclesiastes.

128 Bible results for “labour” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (82)
• New Testament (46)

7% of the occurrences for “labour” are in the Torah.

• Genesis (3)
• Exodus (3)
• Deuteronomy (3)

4% of the occurrences for “labour” are in the OT History Books.

• Joshua (2)
• Nehemiah (3)

34% of the occurrences for “labour” are in the OT Wisdom Books.

• Job (4)
• Psalm (9)
• Proverbs (7)
• Ecclesiastes (24)

19% of the occurrences for “labour” are in the OT Prophets.

• Isaiah (9)
• Jeremiah (4)
• Lamentations (1)
• Ezekiel (2)
• Daniel (1)
• Hosea (1)
• Jonah (1)
• Micah (1)
• Habakkuk (2)
• Haggai (2)

8% of the occurrences for “labour” are in the Gospels.

• Matthew (6)
• Luke (2)
• John (2)

28% of the occurrences for “labour” are in the New Testament.

• Acts (1)
• Romans (2)
• 1 Corinthians (6)
• 2 Corinthians (4)
• Galatians (1)
• Ephesians (1)
• Philippians (4)
• Colossians (2)
• 1 Thessalonians (4)
• 2 Thessalonians (1)
• 1 Timothy (3)
• 2 Timothy (1)
• Hebrews (2)
• James (1)
• Revelation (3)

12 results for “Labor” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

Scripture contributions for August 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson 

Silver

Introduction

I have had both sets of grandparents celebrate their Golden wedding anniversary (50 years).  One made it to 60 years along with an Aunt and Uncle!  My sister is celebrating her 25th anniversary this year, which is silver.  Half way there!  So, I thought I would see how the Bible celebrates silver.

Cubs vs Nationals, July 31st (Cubs won!)

How silver became associated with a 25th anniversary is beyond me.  Perhaps, it started with the woman who lost one piece of silver and threw a party when she found it.  It would have been better if the parable had started with 25 pieces of silver, but maybe the tradition started with the silver anniversary as the 10th.  Then, over time, the organizers pushed it back to 25 as the celebrations were just getting too darn expensive.

Here are my top 12 verses on Silver:

Jesus On Silver

Matthew 10:9-10 King James Version

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Luke 15:8-10 King James Version

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Silver In The New Testament

Matthew 27:3 King James Version

3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders

Acts 3:6 King James Version

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13 King James Version

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

James 5:3-4 King James Version

3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Silver In The Old Testament

Numbers 24:13 King James Version

13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak?

Judges 16:4-5 King James Version

4 And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.

Proverbs 17:3 King James Version

3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.

Daniel 2:45 King James Version

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Haggai 2:8 King James Version

8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.

Zechariah 11:12-13 King James Version

12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

13 And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

There are plenty of verses from which to choose on silver.  However, most of them are in the Old Testament.  Jesus only mentions silver twice, and most of the New Testament references are to the story of Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which occurs only in Matthew.

283 Bible results for “Silver” from King James Version.

• Old Testament (265)
• New Testament (18)

23% of the occurrences for “Silver” are in the Torah.

• Genesis (10)
• Exodus (28)
• Leviticus (4)
• Numbers (18)
• Deuteronomy (6)

39% of the occurrences for “Silver” are in the OT History Books.

• Joshua (7)
• Judges (6)
• 1 Samuel (2)
• 2 Samuel (6)
• 1 Kings (14)
• 2 Kings (17)
• 1 Chronicles (14)
• 2 Chronicles (21)
• Ezra (17)
• Nehemiah (3)
• Esther (3)

12% of the occurrences for “Silver” are in the OT Wisdom Books.

• Job (6)
• Psalm (8)
• Proverbs (12)
• Ecclesiastes (3)
• Song of Solomon (4)

20% of the occurrences for “Silver” are in the OT Prophets.

• Isaiah (13)
• Jeremiah (5)
• Ezekiel (9)
• Daniel (9)
• Hosea (5)
• Joel (1)
• Amos (2)
• Nahum (1)
• Habakkuk (1)
• Zephaniah (2)
• Haggai (1)
• Zechariah (6)
• Malachi (1)

28 results for “Silver” from previous Solomon's Colonnade studies.

Scripture contributions for July 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Stoicism

Introduction

This month's book that I am listening to is called The Obstacle Is The Way.  The title comes from Marcus Aurelius, who was born 1900 years ago on April 26th, 121 AD, "The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."  He was the last of the Five Good Emperors and a Stoic philosopher.  So, I thought we'd see what similarities there are with Stoicism and the Bible.

What stands in the way becomes the way

This was a more difficult study than usual, as I am not as familiar with stoic sayings.  However, my son was helpful by starting me out with a quote from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, "“If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it.”  

Meditations was the second book I listened to this month.  So, it seems right to me to quote from 12 different sayings of the Stoics that overlap with verses from the Bible.  One of the stoics, Heraclitus, coined the idea of Logos (literally, "word") as the force that controls the universe.  Later, the Apostle John applied this term to Jesus, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."

Here are my top 12 verses on "stoicism:"

Jesus On Stoicism

Matthew 16:24 King James Version 

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 5:37 King James Version

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Luke 12:29-31 King James Version

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 20:17-18 King James Version

17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Stoicism In The New Testament

Acts 17:18 King James Version

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Romans 5:3-4 King James Version

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

1 Corinthians 15:22 King James Version

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

James 1:22 King James Version

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Stoicism In The Old Testament

Psalm 119:100 King James Version

100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Proverbs 10:27 King James Version

27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shorten

Proverbs 15:2 King James Version

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Ecclesiastes 7:27-29 King James Version

27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:

28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

Stoicism spans the entirety of the Bible's writings.  However, it was easiest to find similar ideas in the Wisdom section of the OT.  Jesus has many similar ideas in his discourses.  Some of the Stoics actually make an appearance in the Book of Acts.  And Paul seems to be the most stoic of the NT writers, but that could just be because he has the largest content and most chance for overlap.  

Now, your task is to try to connect which Stoic saying relates to which Bible verse above.  Looks like Heraclitus might be my favorite Stoic.  He had a lot enjoyable quotes from which to choose.

1 Bible results for “stoic” from King James Version.

     New Testament (1)

“I begin to speak only when I’m certain what I’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.” - Cato

"He has the most who is content with the least." - Diogenes

“Curb your desire—don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need.” - Epictetus

“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”- Epictetus

"Give me one man from among ten thousand if he is the best." - Heraclitus

"Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character." - Heraclitus

"Much learning does not teach understanding." - Heraclitus

“If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it.” - Marcus Aurelius

"The impediment to action advances action.  What stands in the way becomes the way.” - Marcus Aurelius

"Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all." - Seneca

“Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.” - Seneca

Scripture contributions for June 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Hearing

Introduction

My son is letting me use his Audible account to listen to some books. This is like listening to books on tape. I started with Of Plymouth Plantation since my 11th great grandfather is mentioned in the book when he fell off the Mayflower. However, they got his name wrong. I bet Grandpa was just as annoyed as I am when people spell my name wrong.

Descendant of Pilgrim John Howland Sr

Here are my top 12 verses on "hearing:"

Jesus On Hearing

Matthew 7:24-27 King James Version

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Mark 7:14-16 King James Version

14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 8:10 King James Version

10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

John 10:16 King James Version

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Hearing In The New Testament

Acts 4:19 King James Version

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Romans 10:17 King James Version

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

James 1:22-24 King James Version

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

1 John 5:14-15 King James Version

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Hearing In The Old Testament

Deuteronomy 18:15 King James Version

15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

1 Samuel 3:9-11 King James Version

9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 King James Version

8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ezekiel 33:7 King James Version

7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

Obviously, a topic that is common throughout the Bible.  It is included in all 4 gospels, among many of the NT writers, and in each of the major sections of the OT (Torah, History, Wisdom, Prophets).  It was especially nice to see the four verses from the NT include all six synonyms I researched!

The numbers for the word "hear" is inflated since other words like "heart" show up in the search.

2,248 Bible results for “hear” from King James Version.

    Old Testament (1682)

    New Testament (566)

233 Bible results for “hearken” from King James Version.

    Old Testament (224)

    New Testament (9)

48 Bible results for “heareth” from King James Version.

    Old Testament (28)

    New Testament (20)

37 Bible results for “hearing” from King James Version.

    Old Testament (14)

    New Testament (23)

6 Bible results for “hearer” from King James Version.

    New Testament (6)

4 Bible results for “hearers” from King James Version.

    New Testament (4)

Scripture contributions for May 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Strange Creatures

Introduction

There are 120 animals mentioned in the Bible, but the domesticated cat is not one of them, despite the Jews having spent a lot of time in Egypt.  Fish are mentioned extensively in the Bible, although no particular species is named.  There is no recognition of classification by, or distinction according to, species in the Bible.  However, it appears that some animals are hard to translate, leaving us with some strange creatures in the Bible.

Our search for these strange creatures took us to Repton, Alabama, where we met up with Kent Hovind, who runs Dinosaur Adventure Land.  He is a master, paper-airplane builder and tried to pass on his knowledge to us.  He failed.

My paper airplane sank.

We walked around the property and discovered a beaver dam.  We never found a beaver here or in the Bible.

Beavers are not mentioned in the Bible

I thought I had discovered some dinosaurs on the property when I heard some calling my name.  It turns out it was just my son.  The two dinosaurs pictured here are probably not the Behemoth and Leviathan mentioned in the Bible.  However, their biblical descriptions seem to imply they were real creatures that went extinct.

Dinosaurs In The Bible?

We continued our search for strange creatures on an ATV to make better time.

4 wheels are better than 2 feet

It was a limited success as we did find some strange creatures, just not some of the ones mentioned in the Bible.  We saw some animals that are created by cross breeding or selective breeding, like miniature buffaloes and zonkeys.

However, the choice to take the REAL-MAN ATV tour over the Grandma tour was probably a mistake.

Choose Wisely

It might be safer to stick to searching the Bible when trying to find strange creatures.  Here are the verses we found:

Giants

Genesis 6:4 King James Version

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

Sea Monsters

Lamentations 4:3 King James Version

3 Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

Behemoth

Job 40:15-19 King James Version

15 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.

17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.

19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.

Unicorn

Psalm 92:10 King James Version

10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

Horseleach

Proverbs 30:15 King James Version

15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

Satyrs

Isaiah 13:21 King James Version

21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.

Wild Beasts

Isaiah 13:22 King James Version

22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

Leviathan 

Isaiah 27:1 King James Version

27 In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

Fiery Flying Serpent

Isaiah 30:6 King James Version

6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

Cockatrices

Jeremiah 8:17 King James Version

17 For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the Lord.

Living Creatures

Ezekiel 1:15 King James Version

15 Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.

Dragon

Revelation 12:9 King James Version

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Conclusion Of The Whole Matter

34 Bible results for “dragon” from King James Version.

25 Bible results for “wild beast” from King James Version.  The verse chosen may be an allusion to the Siren

11 Bible results for “Giants” from King James Version.

9 Bible results for “unicorn” from King James Version.

6 Bible results for “living creatures” from King James Version.

4 Bible results for “leviathan” from King James Version.

4 Bible results for “cockatrice” from King James Version.

2 Bible results for “satyr” from King James Version.

2 Bible results for “fiery flying serpent” from King James Version.

1 Bible results for “sea monsters” from King James Version.

1 Bible results for “behemoth” from King James Version.

1 Bible results for “horseleach” from King James Version.

Scripture contributions for April 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Alcohol

Jesus On Alcohol

Matthew 11:19 King James Version

19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Mark 14:25 King James Version

25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Luke 5:39 King James Version

39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Luke 21:34 King James Version

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Alcohol In The New Testament

John 2:10-11 King James Version

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Acts 2:13 King James Version

13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Ephesians 5:18 King James Version

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Peter 4:3 King James Version

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Alcohol In The Old Testament

Numbers 6:3 King James Version

3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

Judges 9:12-13 King James Version

12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Proverbs 31:6 King James Version

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Micah 2:11 King James Version

11 If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.

Scripture contributions for March 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

New Stuff

Jesus On New Stuff

Matthew 13:52 King James Version

52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Mark 14:25 King James Version

25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Luke 5:39 King James Version

39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

John 13:34 King James Version

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

New Stuff In The New Testament

Acts 17:21 King James Version

21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Romans 6:4 King James Version

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

2 Peter 3:13 King James Version

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

2 John 5-6 King James Version

5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

New Stuff In The Old Testament

Numbers 16:30 King James Version

30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.

1 Kings 11:30-31 King James Version

30 And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:
31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:

Ecclesiastes 1:9 King James Version

9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Isaiah 43:19 King James Version

19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.


Scripture contributions for February 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson

Obsession Or Passion

Jesus On Obsession Or Passion

Matthew 6:24 King James Version

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Mark 12:29-30 King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Luke 12:15 King James Version

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

John 8:44 King James Version

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Obsession Or Passion In The New Testament

Galatians 5:24 King James Version

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Colossians 3:23 KJV

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Titus 2:12-14 King James Version

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

James 4:2-3 King James Version

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Obsession Or Passion In The Old Testament

1 Chronicles 29:3 King James Version

3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.

Psalm 11:5 King James Version

5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 King James Version

18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

Hosea 7:6 King James Version

6 For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.

Scripture contributions for January 2021 by: Paul Anderson, Matthew Anderson