Apostolic Faith Church - Ft. Worth, TX

06/14/2026

Youth Sunday little Bro Jerry sung the special! He did an amazing job!! 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾 We don't own the copyrights to this music...

06/14/2026

Sunday School Primary Key Verse John 14:23

06/13/2026

Proverbs 30:1-33

13 Jun 2026

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. — Proverbs 30:5

DAYBREAK

One day in December of 1875, Ira Sankey, song leader for evangelist D. L. Moody, was traveling on a steamboat when some of the passengers recognized him and asked him to sing. Although they asked him to sing one of his own compositions, he chose instead William Bradbury’s well-known hymn “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us.”

One of the stanzas of the song began, “We are Thine; do Thou befriend us. Be the Guardian of our way.” When he finished, a man stepped to his side and asked him, “Did you ever serve in the Union Army?” Mr. Sankey replied that he had. The man then inquired if he had been doing picket duty at a certain location on a night in 1862, and Mr. Sankey replied with surprise that he had. The man proceeded to tell him this amazing account.

“I was on patrol for the Confederate army that night. When I saw you standing at your post, I thought to myself, That fellow will never get away alive. I was standing in the shadow, completely concealed, while the full light of the moon was on you. I raised my musket and took aim, but at that instant, just as a moment ago, you raised your eyes to Heaven and began to sing. ‘Let him sing his song to the end,’ I said to myself, ‘I can shoot him afterwards. He’s my victim at all events, and my bullet cannot miss him.’

“The song you sang then was the song you sang just now. I heard the words perfectly: ‘We are Thine; do Thou befriend us. Be the Guardian of our way.’ Those words stirred up memories. I began to think of my childhood and my God-fearing mother, who had many times sung that song to me. When you had finished your song, it was impossible for me to take aim again. I thought, The Lord who is able to save that man from certain death must surely be great and mighty. And my arm of its own accord dropped limp at my side.”

What a beautiful illustration of the truth contained in our key verse — that God is a shield to them who put their trust in Him. While we may not always be preserved from physical harm as Mr. Sankey was, God always provides a spiritual shield of protection from Satan’s attacks. By putting our trust in Him, we will always experience deliverance.

There may come a time, when in the face of uncertainty or danger, we will need to simply make a decision to place our trust in God regardless of the unknowns. God is faithful. When we put our trust unconditionally in Him, we can count on Him to be our Shield from the attempts of Satan.

BACKGROUND
This chapter contains the words of Agur. Since his name does not appear in any other Jewish literature, nothing is known about him except that he was a wise teacher. Some believe he may have been a profoundly wise person from a country other than Israel.

Some commentators suggest that Ithiel and Ucal, mentioned in verse 1, were proper names, perhaps identifying favorite pupils of Agur. Others assume they are Hebrew words pointing to Agur’s search to know God. They could be translated as, “I have wearied myself, O God, and come to an end.”

In verses 2-3, the author humbly acknowledged his lack of understanding concerning God’s ways; verse 4 continues his thought by emphasizing God’s sovereignty compared to man’s limitations. In verse 5, Agur stressed that man’s inadequacy can be surmounted by trusting in God’s sovereign Word. Verse 6 warns against supplementing God’s words.

In verses 7-9, Agur requested that God protect him from pointlessness and untruths, and that he would be allotted only that which permitted him to maintain his integrity.

Verses 10-33 offer a series of numerical proverbs — a style of Hebraic poetry which uses numerical sequences to aid in memorization and emphasize truths. In this section, each couplet gives four examples to support the author’s premise.

Verses 11-14 list four types of reprehensible transgressors: rebellious children, the self-righteous, the scornful, and cruel oppressors.

Verses 15-16 compare the horseleach (a bloodsucking parasite), with four insatiable entities: the grave, the barren womb, the dry earth, and fire.

Verses 18-19 associate four phenomena — the eagle gliding through the air, the snake slithering on a rock, a ship navigating the high seas, and a man’s enticement of a maid — with the incomprehensible way of an adulterous woman who fails to see the error of her ways (verse 20).

Verses 21-23 identify four unbearable types of people: a servant who has become a ruler, a fool who has acquired wealth, an unloved, rejected spinster who has obtained a husband, and a female servant who has supplanted her mistress.

Verses 24-28 describe four creatures which, although small in size, offer instruction for wise living: the ants that prepare and labor to provide for their future needs, the conies (or badgers) that hide in small crevices to protect themselves, the locusts that exemplify organization, and the spiders (or lizards) that resourcefully increase their quality of life.

In verses 29-31, the author cited four examples of boldness and power: the valor of the undaunted lion, the resoluteness of the greyhound (literally meaning “girt in the loins” and also translated as “rooster” or “war horse”), the mountain goat’s conquest of higher elevations, and the king’s triumph over his foes.

In verses 32-33, the author exhorted his hearers to acknowledge and repent of prideful conduct. He observed that just as churning milk produces butter, and wringing the nose causes bleeding, stirring up anger creates dissension and strife.

CONCLUSION
Do you feel like you need a shield in your life? Put your trust fully in God. He has promised to protect us from the enemy of our souls, and He will!

06/12/2026

Proverbs 29:1-27

12 Jun 2026

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. — Proverbs 29:18

DAYBREAK

We may never fully understand the tremendous influence of a holy, Spirit-filled person who is committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. David Brainerd was such a person; he was a man who was intensely aware that “where there is no vision [spiritual revelation or divine guidance], the people perish.”

Brainerd was born in a Connecticut village on April 20, 1718. Orphaned at the age of fourteen, he earned his living by working on farms, and eventually went to live with the pastor of a local church. Under that godly man’s teaching, he became a serious student of the Bible and began setting aside whole days to fast and pray as he sought God. Finally, on July 12, 1739, he had a glorious salvation experience. A longing for the whole world to see “this lovely, blessed, and excellent way” sprang up in his heart.

Brainerd was plagued by poor health. Tuberculosis (known as “consumption” in those days) was widespread in colonial New England, and he contracted the disease in his youth. In spite of this ailment, however, at the age of twenty-four he began a missionary career among the Native American tribes of the East Coast.

Shortly after the start of his missionary work, feeling that his first months had been woefully unproductive, Brainerd set aside a day “for secret fasting and praying from morning till night.” He was overwhelmed by a sense of his own unworthiness, the depravity of the tribes he was attempting to reach for Christ, and the weakened condition of his body. He read extensive passages from the Bible, dwelling especially on the accounts of men such as Elijah and Paul. Brainerd longed to be like them. From these times of intercession, the pattern of his life was formed, as he solemnly consecrated himself to walk in the footsteps of the heroes of the Bible. “O that I may be, as were they, aflame for God,” he wrote in his diary.

Brainerd’s first journey to the Delaware people resulted in a miracle that preserved his life and established him among the tribes in the region as a “prophet of God.” Encamped on the outskirts of a Native American settlement, Brainerd planned to enter the community the next morning to preach. He was unaware that he was being watched by warriors who had been sent to kill him. However, when the men drew close to Brainerd’s tent, they saw the missionary on his knees. As he prayed, a rattlesnake slithered next to him and prepared to strike, flicking its forked tongue almost in the missionary’s face. Amazingly, the snake suddenly turned and glided away into the brush. “The Great Spirit is with the paleface!” the Indians said, and when he approached their village, they welcomed him.

For five years, Brainerd traveled from village to village, preaching with such tenderness and conviction that the inhabitants were frequently melted to tears. His efforts took a terrible toll on him physically, but he felt compelled to put his whole strength into evangelism.

Brainerd was only twenty-nine years of age when he passed away. His gravestone says simply, “A faithful and laborious missionary to the Stockbridge, Delaware, and Susquehanna Indians.” However, his life challenged many to dedicate themselves for Christian service. World-famous missionaries such as Henry Martyn, William Carey, and Adoniram Judson pointed to David Brainerd’s devotion as a source of personal inspiration.

As our focus verse states, Brainerd knew that where there is ignorance of God, the people perish in sin. Because of that compelling truth, he devoted his short life to doing everything in his power to spread God’s message.

Do we understand the importance of the vision that motivated David Brainerd? What are we doing to proclaim the Gospel?

BACKGROUND
This chapter, which offers counsel to both rulers and citizens, concludes the section of Solomon’s proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s scribes, which began at Proverbs 25.

Several negative categories of people are mentioned in this text: the defiant, the flatterer, the scornful, the bloodthirsty, the angry, and the thief. As is common throughout the Book of Proverbs, several contrasts are made between the wise and the foolish. Specific instruction is also given to parents, primarily related to proper discipline.

In this chapter, attitudes are addressed. Verse 1 states that those who stubbornly refuse to act upon reproof will be swiftly and suddenly destroyed. Verse 7 contrasts the person with a compassionate, caring heart to one who is unconcerned about the poor. Verses 22-23 stress that anger stirs up conflict, and a prideful attitude ultimately results in humiliation.

Several of the verses relate to the responsibility of rulers. Verse 2 emphasizes that a righteous ruler brings gladness to the people, but a wicked ruler causes mourning. Verse 4 presents a parallel thought, bringing out that a king who practices justice establishes the land. Verse 12 points out that the servants of a king will likely adapt themselves to the practices of the sovereign; if he accepts falsehoods, those who serve him will become skillful in lying. In verse 14, the point is made that faithfulness to the poor will bring stability to the kingdom. Verse 26 acknowledges that while many will seek the favor of an earthly king, only God controls the destiny of men.

CONCLUSION
If we fail to spread the message of salvation, those whose lives we might have influenced may perish in their sins. May God help each one of us to do our part to proclaim His truth!

06/11/2026

Proverbs 27:1 Through 28:28

11 Jun 2026

And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. — Proverbs 27:27

DAYBREAK

Remembering how the Lord brought her family through distressing ordeals during the Great Depression in the United States, a Christian lady and her son related the following witness to how God provided for their family.

“When the children were still young, my husband had an attack of rheumatism, and was in great pain. He was so helpless that he could not even get his hands to his face. One day his pulse became so weak I thought he was dying. I gathered the children around his bed and we started praying for him. His pulse became stronger, and then each day he slowly began to improve. Eventually, he was able to get out of bed and walk and use his arms and hands.

“That same winter the weather was very severe. One blizzard after another came along, with temperatures well below zero. One day we did not have enough wood to last through the night, and there was no money to buy more. However, God was watching over us. About dusk that evening a young man drove into our yard and left a load of wood. We had no idea he would be bringing it! Many times the Lord helped us in situations that seemed hopeless.”

Her son recounted, “For years we had been very, very poor, and the future looked bleak. But after my father was saved, we could pray and ask God to help us. It seemed that the Lord allowed us to go through trials because of my father’s ill health, but He always answered our prayers and took us through.

“One winter, my father was very ill again. It was hard on the family. The summer before, we had planted potatoes. This was during the drought, and few people could get anything to grow. But from that one patch, we dug about sixty bushels of potatoes. During that winter, about all we had to eat were potatoes, but we knew the Lord had answered our prayers and had helped us again.

“On Thanksgiving one year, a situation happened that I would never forget, no matter how far I was from God. My father and a Christian man named Jack Hoover had gone to Minnesota to look for work. Mr. Hoover’s wife, Margaret, had raised some chickens that year. She had sold most of her chickens, but had kept one that she planned to fix for her family, and the Lord laid it on her heart to share that one chicken with us. Although we were not destitute of food at this time, we did not have very much, and we certainly would not have had chicken for dinner. The Lord looked down that day and blessed us. There were thirteen of us in all — seven of us children, my mother, Mrs. Hoover, her three children, and her nephew who drove them to our house that day. And we were a hungry bunch! But after we had eaten all we wanted, there was chicken left over! Many years after that, Mrs. Hoover would tell about the time the Lord multiplied the chicken.”

While our focus verse is not intended to be a promise that will overrule circumstances, it is clear that God blesses and watches over His people. This family proved that He is ever mindful of our needs and attentive to our prayers when we do our best to follow Him. We can prove the same truth!

BACKGROUND
These two chapters continue the compilation of Solomon’s proverbs which were copied and preserved by King Hezekiah’s scribes.

In chapter 27, Solomon offered counsel concerning human relationships. Repeating a common theme among the proverbs, special attention is directed in this portion of text to how one’s words can be used for good or evil. Verses 2, 5, 14, 15, 17, and 21 all contain admonitions regarding speech.

Heavy rainfall in Solomon’s day caused the earthen roofs to spring numerous leaks, generating great exasperation. In verses 15-16, he compared this irritation with the continual ranting of an argumentative woman, inferring that she was annoying and impossible to restrain.

The proverbs in verses 23-27 are based upon the nomadic lifestyle of a large segment of Israel’s population from Solomon’s time. His point was that because life is fleeting and uncertain, one should be diligent and act with foresight, giving responsible attention to home, family, and occupation, just as a farmer must tend to his lands and herds.

Chapter 28 provides another series of comparisons between the rewards of walking uprightly and the judgments that will accrue to one who is evil. Several categories of wickedness are denounced: the oppressor, those who forsake the law, the perverse, the riotous, those who lead the righteous astray, wicked rulers, the greedy, the flatterer, and the proud.

The Book of Proverbs frequently reveals God’s compassion for the poor; verses 6, 8, 11 and 27 in this chapter are examples of this.

CONCLUSION
If we are following God, there is no need to fear deprivation. Our omniscient Heavenly Father is on His throne, and He sustains us.

06/10/2026

Proverbs 25:1 Through 26:28

10 Jun 2026

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. — Proverbs 25:21-22

DAYBREAK

When I was in my early twenties, I worked in the construction industry as a sheet metal apprentice. Just a week after I married, I was laid off from the shop where I had been working — something that was not uncommon for entry-level employees in the building trades at that time. This was stressful, of course, but after a few uncertain weeks, I was relieved to be summoned to work at a local fabrication shop. There I learned my assignment was to assist a guy named Larry in the most undesirable task in the entire shop. It was a dirty and strenuous job, and to make matters worse, Larry took exception to the fact that I was a Christian.

His harassment began with unkind verbal innuendos. Soon these became cruel and mocking remarks, often made in the presence of others. I began each day with the certain knowledge that I would have to endure another round of humiliating comments hurled in my direction. Then, to make matters worse, Larry began to look for ways to put me in harm’s way. One time he nearly ran over me with a forklift as we were moving pallets of metal from one area to another. What was initially just an embarrassing situation became one that was potentially dangerous. However, I did not report this. Larry had worked at the shop for a long time and was seemingly well-regarded by the senior shop workers. Since I was the newest member of the crew, it seemed prudent to remain silent or risk becoming unemployed again.

I made up my mind to follow instruction from God’s Word in dealing with Larry, determining that not only would I pray for him, but I would be as kind and helpful as possible. Every day became a new opportunity for me to be the best worker I knew how to be, and to make him look good to the supervisors, since he was technically in charge of our assigned duties. Of course this puzzled him. While he certainly was not receptive to my Christian convictions, in time he began to find fewer reasons to make my life miserable.

Then one day the shop foreman took me aside and informed me that while Larry and I had done great work, we were caught up, and it wasn’t feasible for the company to keep both of us as employees. Larry had seniority so it was only right that he stay on; I needed to plan to be out of work in a few days. At the end of our conversation, he asked me what my trade experience had been prior to coming to his shop. Not supposing that my response was of particular importance, I told him I had worked in a much smaller shop doing metal fabrication. Although I did not know it at the time, that type of work was typically reserved for seasoned journeymen. The foreman’s eyes lit up when he realized that a lower-paid employee possibly possessed skills of a more highly compensated worker. Later that day, he reassigned me to another project where I worked alongside some of the best and most highly regarded men in the shop.

Looking back, I can see how the Lord blessed me for adhering to the principles of His Word. Our focus verse brings out that the most effective way to deal with those who do us harm is to do good in return. This can be challenging at times, even for those who have faith and confidence in the Lord. However, God will honor those who honor Him. When we choose to take the high road and live by God’s principles, He will bless us, and His name will be glorified by our actions.

BACKGROUND
Chapters 25 through 29 are the final collection of proverbs written by Solomon. These were preserved and copied by scribes under the direction of King Hezekiah, one of Judah’s most godly kings. Some of the most memorable statements in all of the Book of Proverbs are found in this section. The sequence and subject groupings of the statements indicate a careful editorial arrangement that is more observable than in other sections of the book.

Many of the sayings in chapters 25 and 26 were directed either toward the king or those who interacted with him in court matters. During the time of Hezekiah, Judah’s governmental structure was large and complex. (Insight regarding its complexity is found in 2 Kings 18-20.) Those in governmental positions needed wisdom, and that concern is reflected in this collection. The royal responsibilities spelled out in these proverbs provide helpful wisdom for leaders of every era.

Another theme with prominence in these chapters is that of proper speech. In Proverbs 25:11-14, Solomon offered four comparisons related to oral communication. He said timely words were as pleasing as golden apples in settings of silver. He compared the one who listened to wise counsel and obeyed to ornaments of fine gold. Also, he likened a dependable and truthful messenger to a cold drink in hot weather. On the other hand, he said those who boasted falsely of oral skills were like clouds and wind without rain. The statement in verse 15 that “a soft tongue breaketh the bone,” means that gentle speech calms the most obstinate resistance. In chapter 26, verses 4, 5, 7, and 9 also allude to prudent speaking.

Paul quoted from Proverbs 25:21-22 in Romans 12:19-20. The precise meaning of this proverb has been debated, but most Bible scholars agree that it teaches one should respond with kindness rather than seeking vengeance against one who does evil.

The first 12 verses of chapter 26 summarize the folly of fools. The implication in verse 2 is that a baseless curse will have no effect. While verses 4-5 may seem contradictory, they bring out that answering a fool requires stooping to his level, while at other times a decisive response is necessary to expose foolishness. The implication in verse 8 is that giving honor to a fool is as ludicrous as binding a stone in a sling, thus eliminating the possibility of it being launched.

Verses 13-16 concern the lazy — those who make excuses for their inactivity, and prefer sleeping to working. Verses 17-28 refer to various types of troublemakers. The statement that “there are seven abominations in his heart” (verse 25) reflects the utmost degree of evil, as seven is the number of completeness.

CONCLUSION
When we choose to return good for evil instead of seeking vengeance, we honor God through our obedience to His Word.

06/09/2026

Proverbs 24:1-34

09 Jun 2026

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. — Proverbs 24:30-32

DAYBREAK

Last year while driving through our fishing community, I noticed the boat of a young family man who lives nearby. It was beached, neglected, and partly submerged in water, though we were in the peak of the fishing season. As far as I knew, the man was healthy, but he and his family were subsisting on a government allowance. With some initiative, he could have been engaged in commercial fishery and providing for his family, but he apparently was choosing not to, so his boat sat idle.

This scene reminded me of our focus verses, in which Solomon described the field and vineyard of the slothful. The land had been neglected; thorns and nettles flourished everywhere. As Solomon passed by, he observed that although the ground was fertile, the stone wall surrounding it was broken down and nothing useful was growing in the field.

Roman statesman Cato Major once said, “Wise men profit more by fools than fools by wise men; for wise men will avail [learn from] the faults of fools, but fools will not imitate the virtues of the wise.” In our text, Solomon not only observed the neglected field, but he “considered it” thoughtfully and “received instruction.” While Solomon did not state his conclusion, the implication is apparent. Wise individuals are diligent, make good use of potential at hand, and profit from their labors. The slothful have opportunities they do not take, obligations they do not fulfill, and potential they do not exercise — and in the end, will find that their field is “grown over with thorns.”

This proverb has a spiritual application. Our souls are our fields, and we have a responsibility. We can tend our souls diligently, making sure that we guard against encroaching “weeds,” or we can indifferently neglect our spiritual well-being. If the latter is our choice, in time our souls will be overgrown with “thorns and nettles” — the pride, covetousness, malice, and the inordinate lusts and passions which the fallen human nature produces. If no “fence” is erected, there is no safeguard to keep the enemy out.

For those of us who have been forgiven and saved by Jesus’ Blood, we have a cultivated field we are charged to occupy till our Lord returns. We need to produce crops instead of weeds, and fruit instead of thorns, but that will take diligence! May we take advantage of today and work our fields.

BACKGROUND
This chapter is a continuation of the third section of Proverbs referred to as “the words of the wise.” The first twenty-two verses offer wise counsel to a son, while the concluding verses contain further prudent advice from wise sages.

Verses 1-2 warn against associating with evil men because of the violence and trouble they devise. While some Bible scholars think the “house” referred to in verses 3-4 alludes to a family, others suggest it is symbolic of a man’s character. The “precious and pleasant riches” possibly refer to the blessings a man receives through wise living.

The implication of verses 5-6 is that the strength of wisdom is superior to brute force, and seeking wise council is advisable before entering into battle. This does not necessarily refer only to physical battles, but can also be applied to day-to-day challenges in general. The gate of the city was where judicial decisions and counsel were given, but verse 7 infers that wisdom is out of reach for the fool, because he has nothing worthwhile to offer.

Verses 11-12 indicate that declining to help a person who is in mortal danger and then pleading ignorance is not acceptable. God perceives the motive of every heart and will judge accordingly.

In verse 15 the wicked are warned against conspiring to harm the righteous. Verse 16 does not suggest that the righteous will sin, but rather that they may fall into difficult circumstances. The phrase “seven times” was a Hebrew adage for “frequently.” The implication is that the righteous, with God’s help, will rise up and keep going, while the calamity of the wicked will cause their lasting destruction.

“These things also belong to the wise” (verse 23) may indicate that this section of the Book of Proverbs continues a group of sayings from various sages of that era. An honest answer is likened to a kiss in verse 26, meaning it will win respect and affection.

The phrase “build thine house” in verse 27 could refer to marriage and having children. The implication is that it is needful for a man to prepare ahead of time so that he possesses the means to provide for his family.

CONCLUSION
Solomon’s indictment of the sluggard contains a spiritual warning for our day: neglect or indifference regarding our spiritual wellbeing will have eternal consequences.

06/08/2026

Thank God for a blessings at IYC this year!!!

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Proverbs 22:17 Through 23:35

08 Jun 2026

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. — Proverbs 22:24-25

DAYBREAK

Some years ago, I remember seeing a skit at our church youth camp where a girl stood on a chair holding the hands of another person who was standing on the floor. As hard as she tried, the girl on the chair could not pull the person below up onto the chair. However, when the roles were reversed, the person on the floor was able to pull the girl off the chair with very little effort. It was a great demonstration of the fact that it is much easier to pull someone down than to lift someone up. That is not only true physically, but also spiritually.

Choosing to associate closely with people who are not where they should be spiritually will influence us in a downward direction. Often the negative “pulls” are subtle, at least at first. We might be influenced to be discouraged, careless about spiritual matters, or critical. Perhaps there is a temptation to gossip, shade the truth, or engage in questionable activities. Although we might not realize that we have been affected, we can gradually become desensitized, and wrong behavior patterns could become acceptable and allowed in our own lives. In time, that negative influence could even cause us to turn completely away from God.

Solomon was aware of that danger. Our focus verses admonish us to keep away from angry people — those whose lives are characterized by frustration and outbursts of temper. He pointed out that relationships with such individuals would put one’s personal stability and equilibrium in jeopardy, because an angry person’s path is full of “snares” that any misstep can trigger.

The people we spend time with help shape us into the people we become. Recently I read about a young musician who wanted to become more accomplished on her instrument. Her teacher advised her to “play up” — to practice with individuals who were highly skilled musicians. The teacher knew that playing along with them would help the young woman improve her own proficiency.

What about us? We may not be musicians striving for musical expertise, but the same principle applies to our personal relationships. Those we associate with will impact who we are. It is true that we live in a world that needs to be reached for Christ, and we should not shirk our responsibility to reach out to those who need God. However, we must be cautious when developing close relationships. We need strong, spiritually encouraging friends to help keep us lifted up when the negativity around us threatens to get us down. We need associates who do not thrive on critical talk to maintain peace in our hearts. We need people who love and support God’s Word to keep us full of hope.

Are our friendships encouraging us toward a closer walk with God or pulling us away from Him? It is critical for us to answer that question honestly and make any needed adjustments.

BACKGROUND
This passage begins the third section of the Book of Proverbs, a portion known as “the words of the wise men.” Some commentators suggest that these proverbs, from Proverbs 22:17 through 23:11, were written by other sages and compiled by Solomon. The writing style has been associated with an ancient Egyptian wisdom book called “Instruction of Amenemope,” while the personal nature of the writings is reflective of parental instruction or a teacher’s tutoring of a student.

Proverbs 22:22-23 prohibit exploiting the poor. The phrase “in the gate” refers to the custom of having the judicial court located at the gate of the city. The teacher warned that God would judge those who oppress the poor and afflicted.

Referring to business practices in verses 26-29, a warning is given regarding the danger of assuming responsibility for someone else’s loan. The phrase “why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” points to the possibility of losing one’s possessions as a result.

Proverbs 23:10 admonishes against appropriating land from the fatherless. In Solomon’s era, it was customary for the next of kin to redeem land from a relative who could not afford to develop it, and the Hebrew word for “redeemer” in verse 11 indicates that God will be the substitute “kinsman” for orphaned landowners.

The Hebrew word for hell in verse 14 is sheol, meaning “the grave.” The inference in this verse is that proper discipline of a child can deter him from reckless choices and premature death.

Verses 19-21 warn against associating with drunkards or those who habitually over-indulge because their lifestyle leads to poverty and lethargy.

Verses 22-25 encourage a son to honor his parents and embrace instruction. Repeating the thought of verse 16, the author pointed out that the son who lives wisely and righteously brings joy to his parents.

A warning against sexual promiscuity is given in verses 27-28. Verses 29-35 describe the adverse physical, emotional, and mental effects of alcohol.

CONCLUSION
It is wise to be cautious in our choice of companions. We will be influenced most by those we associate with most, so it is important to choose friends with characteristics we would like to develop in our own lives.