Text: Nehemiah 8:10
“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”
In Nehemiah 8, Israel had just completed rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after returning from Babylonian exile. The physical restoration of the city was complete—but God’s concern was not only for the wall, but for the hearts of His people. Spiritual restoration was equally important.
Ezra the scribe read the Book of the Law (likely the Torah) aloud to the people. This was a public spiritual awakening. Many were hearing God’s Word for the first time in decades. Their immediate response was grief and weeping as they became aware of their sins. According to the Law, they had failed God repeatedly, and judgment had followed (cf. Deuteronomy 28).
Yet in that very moment, something profound happened. Nehemiah, along with Ezra and the Levites, urged the people not to weep. Why?
Because while conviction is necessary, God’s ultimate desire is not to shame or crush us—it’s to restore and empower us.
Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” This isn’t mere encouragement—it’s a deep theological truth:
“Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” — Isaiah 12:3
This verse echoes the same theme: salvation is a well, but joy is the bucket that draws the strength from it.
Too often, believers confuse conviction (from the Holy Spirit) with condemnation (from Satan). The Holy Spirit convicts to bring us back to the Father (John 16:8), while Satan condemns to drive us away from Him (Revelation 12:10).
That’s why when the Bible exposes sin in your life, your response should not be despair. It should be:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” — Romans 8:1
Even the psalmist found comfort in God’s discipline:
“I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself.” — Psalm 119:52
Think of a football team that performs poorly in the first half. During halftime, they can either sulk and lose all motivation—or regroup, encourage one another, and come back stronger. Likewise, when God convicts you, it’s your spiritual “halftime.” Don’t stay in shame. Let His love revive you.
When you delight in God’s Word—even His rebukes—you gain strength to obey:
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” — Psalm 119:165
You can’t obey what you don’t love. And you can’t love what you only fear. But when you see God’s correction as love, you respond not just with obedience, but with joyful obedience.
The joy of the Lord is not optional—it is essential. It’s what fuels your Christian walk. When you understand God’s heart—full of grace and truth—you won’t stay stuck in sorrow. You’ll rise up in joy, and from that joy comes strength to live faithfully.
So the next time you feel convicted while reading Scripture, don’t give up. Don’t stay down.
Repent. Rejoice. Rise up.
Because the joy of the Lord is your strength.
May the Lord fill your heart with His joy and renew your strength day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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📖 2 Kings 4:38–41
“And Elisha came again to Gilgal, when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, ‘Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.’ One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. And they poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, ‘O man of God, there is death in the pot!’ And they could not eat it. He said, ‘Then bring flour.’ And he threw it into the pot and said, ‘Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.’ And there was no harm in the pot.”
In this passage, Elisha and the sons of the prophets are in a famine. Food is scarce, and the hunger is real. One of the men goes out to gather something—anything—that seems edible. He finds wild gourds, which he assumes are good, but they are actually poisonous.
🔍 Just like physical famine leads to eating whatever is available, spiritual famine—a lack of sound teaching—can cause people to consume spiritual poison without realizing it.
Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”
Today, we are in a time when many are spiritually hungry, but instead of turning to Scripture, people are turning to attractive, deceptive teachings that feel good but lack truth.
The man in 2 Kings 4 had good intentions, but he lacked discernment. What he added to the pot looked edible—it even looked nourishing—but it brought death.
🛑 Modern Application: This is how false teachings enter the church today. They appear biblical. They sound encouraging. But they are deadly because they distort or deny key truths about the Gospel.
Examples include:
2 Timothy 4:3–4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
Jesus warned that false prophets would come looking innocent but inwardly be dangerous.
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Today’s false teachers may quote Scripture, wear collars, write books, or build mega-platforms. But if they don’t preach Christ crucified, repentance, and holy living, they are not feeding your soul—they’re poisoning it.
In the story, Elisha doesn’t throw away the pot of stew. He throws in flour, symbolizing the Word of God—and the stew is healed.
Psalm 107:20 “He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.”
Just as flour purified the poisoned pot, God’s pure Word can correct false teaching, restore spiritual health, and bring clarity where there’s confusion.
Modern teachings that eliminate holiness, ignore judgment, and focus only on earthly success are like wild gourds. If you consume them, you risk spiritual death.
Hebrews 12:14 “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
And Jesus reminded us to stay ready for His return:
Luke 12:35–36 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”
Our focus must remain on Christ, on eternity, and on living lives that reflect His character.
Be Discerning in What You “Eat” Spiritually
When you’re spiritually hungry, be careful what you consume. Just because something is popular, well-presented, or “feels good” doesn’t mean it’s true. Always test the teaching by the Word of God.
1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Not everything that fills you feeds you. Beware of wild gourds.
Stay in the Word. Walk in holiness. Wait for Christ. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Why did God create you exactly the way you are? Why didn’t He give you horns on your head, or fleshy crests like those of a rooster, or two antennas like a snail or insect? Instead, He placed hair on your head.
The voice of God is revealed in our very design. The way we are made is not because this is the most beautiful or perfect form God could imagine for man. No — He could have created us in many more “impressive” ways. But He made us this way with a unique divine purpose. Our form is not primarily about beauty but about function and revelation.
For example: if you cannot understand how the organs of your own body work together, you will also fail to grasp how the Body of Christ is meant to function when it gathers. Scripture says, “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). We are created with divine intention — not for outward perfection, but for spiritual lessons.
It is like being asked: between a cooking stove and flowers, which is more important in your house? Most people would choose the stove — not because it looks better, but because it serves an essential purpose. In the same way, every part of your body is designed with meaning, to teach you something about your Creator and your walk with Him.
Today, let us consider the spiritual lessons of our hair. Another time, we will look at other parts of the body.
“Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:30–31)
When trials come, it is easy to think that God does not see or care. But Jesus reminds us that if the Father has counted even the countless hairs on our heads, then every detail of our lives is under His watchful care. Nothing happens outside His knowledge and permission.
Application: When you feel anxious or forgotten, remember: your hair is a daily testimony that God has already numbered your steps (Psalm 139:16).
“Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head; those who would destroy me are powerful, my enemies without reason.” (Psalm 69:4)
Just as your hair is numerous, so also are your adversaries. But the Bible makes clear that
“our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12).
Even Jesus — who was sinless — faced constant opposition. Why then should we be surprised when enemies rise against us? The call is to remain steadfast in prayer and walk in the ways of the Lord, for victory belongs to Him (Romans 8:37).
“Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.” (Matthew 5:36)
We often deceive ourselves into thinking we are in full control. But Jesus reminds us that even something as small as a single strand of hair is beyond our power.
Application: Avoid rash vows and exaggerated promises. Let your words be simple and true: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37). Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Remember: your hair testifies daily that life is sustained by God, not your own control.
Your hair also symbolizes spiritual power. The Nazarites of the Old Testament were forbidden to cut their hair as a sign of consecration (Numbers 6:5). Samson’s strength was tied to his uncut hair as part of his covenant with God. When Delilah cut it, his strength departed (Judges 16:19–20).
Yet Scripture also says:
“But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.” (Judges 16:22).
Application: Guard your spiritual strength! Sin and compromise allow the enemy to shear away your power. Though God can restore, restoration often comes with scars. Samson regained his strength, but only after he lost his eyesight and faced death. Treasure the anointing you have; do not let the devil’s razor touch it.
“Cut off your hair and throw it away; take up a lament on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned this generation that is under his wrath.” (Jeremiah 7:29)
In the Old Testament, shaving one’s head was a sign of mourning, humiliation, and repentance before God (Job 1:20). In the New Covenant, mourning is expressed through deep prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Just as we regularly trim our hair, so also we are called to regularly humble ourselves before God, seeking His face with tears and brokenness of spirit (Joel 2:12–13).
Beloved, your very body is a sermon. Your hair is a preacher reminding you that:
The question is: Do you allow your own body to teach you the voice of God?
May the Lord bless you richly.
“Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
The Word of God teaches us to overcome “evil with good.”
Romans 12:20–21 says:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This means when you are wronged, do not repay evil with evil, but rather respond with goodness. By doing so, the one who harmed you will recognize his own guilt and may later repent.
However, the same Bible also warns us that our goodness should not be spoken of as evil.
Romans 14:16 declares:
“Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.”
This shows that sometimes, even though we may not repay evil with evil, and instead show kindness, still our good deeds can be misunderstood or even appear “evil.” Therefore, it is important to purify our goodness.
Just as water, though used for cleansing, can become dirty, and soap, though meant to purify, can be soiled — in the same way, goodness, though precious, can be corrupted and misrepresented.
A wrong motive can turn goodness into hypocrisy. Someone may perform an act of kindness but only to be praised by others or to appear religious, without love or sincerity in the heart. Such “goodness” is false and becomes “goodness spoken of as evil.”
Jesus warned in Matthew 23:28:
“In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
True goodness must spring from love and a pure heart (1 Timothy 1:5).
Another danger is when someone returns good outwardly, but inwardly desires vengeance — perhaps saying, “I leave him to God so that God may punish him.”
Though this may sound wise, its wisdom is incomplete. Instead of desiring evil for our enemies, we should intercede for them, asking God to show them mercy. This reflects the very heart of God, whose first quality is mercy.
Proverbs 24:17–18 teaches:
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.”
Vengeance belongs to the Lord alone (Romans 12:19), and we cannot dictate how He should act. For example, early Christians prayed against Saul for persecuting them, but instead of judgment, God showed him mercy and transformed him into Paul the Apostle (Acts 9).
Thus, the believer’s calling is to pray for mercy, not vengeance.
Jesus clearly taught this radical love in Luke 6:27–30:
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.”
This is not weakness or foolishness, but the living and powerful Word of God.
May the Lord help us so that our goodness may be spoken of with honor and not with evil.
Maranatha!
(Proverbs 13:20) “Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.”
When we were children, our parents taught us to be selective about our friends. Interestingly, the criteria they used were not skin color, height, or health, but rather character and intellect. Children who were thoughtful and intelligent were encouraged to be close to us because we would be positively influenced by their behavior. On the other hand, those who were foolish—even if we played with them occasionally—we were disciplined for it. At the time, it felt unfair, but as we grew older and saw the lives of those children, we understood what our parents had seen and why it was necessary.
Similarly, in spiritual life, we are told: “Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.”
They are people who are saved and have the fear of God within them. Anyone who has trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior and continues to genuinely follow Him is someone you should spend time with. Being close to them will teach you about salvation, prayer, fasting, God’s love, the knowledge of His Word, and also how to witness effectively.
Even Jesus demonstrated this in His life. From a young age, He chose to surround Himself with people who would positively influence His spiritual growth. He did not spend His time with peers indulging in worldly games, parties, or sinful habits. Instead, He was close to teachers and spiritual leaders, learning from them and absorbing their wisdom until He became the greatest Rabbi Himself.
Luke 2:40-50
“The child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him. When he was twelve years old, his parents went up to Jerusalem for the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in the caravan, they traveled for a day and looked for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.’ ‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he meant.”
Some habits or qualities will never develop in your life unless you surround yourself with the right people. If a Christian spends most of their time with worldly friends—office colleagues, college friends, or neighbors—their spiritual life may suffer. Some only meet faithful servants of God on Sundays, avoid spiritual accountability, and yet expect to remain spiritually strong. This is self-deception.
We need to actively surround ourselves with people who will help us grow:
Without such guidance and spiritual company, the world’s influence can overpower us.
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU.
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QUESTION: What does Proverbs 10:25 mean?
“When the storm passes, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.”
ANSWER: This verse is well explained by the example that Lord Jesus gave regarding people who hear His words but do not act on them. Let’s read:
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Returning to the Proverbs passage, you can understand who the wicked are:They are the ones who hear the gospel but do not obey it. They may claim to be saved, but the fruit of salvation is not visible in them. Spiritually, they appear no different from someone who has never known God. All these are called wicked. They are still in sin and have not been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Outwardly, they may appear holy. But when trials, hardships, persecution, or challenges for Christ come, they quickly fall back and act as if they have never known God, because they were not built on the rock. Some face not hardships but prosperity, and when comfort and success increase, they forget God and abandon faith, because they followed Jesus only for the trials. Some stop seeking Him after marriage, education, or promotions.
However, the person who hears Christ’s words and obeys them is the opposite—they are called the “foundation of eternity.” They will not be shaken by any wave, storm, or trial because they are built on the rock.
Be saved, receive forgiveness of sins, and then live in obedience and repentance so that you can always stand firm.
The Lord bless you.Share this good news with others.
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The Lord bless you.
ANSWER: This proverb communicates a profound spiritual truth about the impact of leadership and societal morality. When wicked individuals rise to power—whether in political, religious, or social spaces—those who are righteous often go into hiding. It’s not always a physical disappearance, but rather a withdrawal from public visibility or influence due to oppression, fear, or marginalization.
This concept is vividly illustrated in the Bible during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 16–21). Ahab, under Jezebel’s influence, led Israel into deep idolatry, including the worship of Baal. Jezebel orchestrated the killing of God’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), and many of the faithful were forced to hide. The prophet Elijah, overwhelmed and discouraged, felt utterly alone in his faithfulness:
“LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (Romans 11:3, NKJV; citing 1 Kings 19:10)
However, God’s response reveals a deeper theological reality:
“I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (Romans 11:4, NKJV)
This shows that even in times of great spiritual darkness, God preserves a faithful remnant—a theme repeated throughout Scripture (see Isaiah 1:9, Romans 9:27).
In our modern world, we see parallels: wickedness is often celebrated in media, politics, and even some religious circles. True holiness and righteousness can feel rare, and those who live by God’s standards may feel isolated. But we must remember that visibility is not always the measure of presence. Just as God had hidden His faithful ones in Elijah’s time, He still preserves His people today.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a, NKJV)
The latter part of Proverbs 28:28 is a message of hope and future restoration: “But when they perish, the righteous increase.” When God judges and removes the wicked, righteousness is no longer suppressed—it flourishes. This points toward both historical moments of revival and the ultimate future kingdom of Christ, where:
“The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11, NKJV)
Jesus echoed this in the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, NKJV)
If you are striving to live a godly life—whether through modesty, sexual purity, honesty, or devotion—yet feel alone, remember: you are not alone. God has always had a remnant. Your obedience is not in vain. Continue walking boldly in your faith, knowing that:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5, NKJV)
A time will come when the influence of the wicked will cease, and the righteousness of God’s people will shine like the dawn (Proverbs 4:18). Don’t follow the crowd. Don’t be discouraged by the noise of evil. God sees, and He will exalt the righteous in His time.
Proverbs 28:28 – “When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.” (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you and keep you steadfast in these last days.
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Question: What does Proverbs 27:15 mean by comparing a contentious woman to “a continual dripping on a very rainy day”?
Answer: In Proverbs 27:15, the phrase “continual dripping” refers to water leaking through a roof during heavy rain. This vivid image is used to describe the discomfort and irritation caused by persistent, unrelenting water dripping inside the house. Living with a contentious woman, according to the Bible, is compared to this situation.
In Proverbs 27:15 (NKJV), “A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.”
The key term here is “contentious” (Hebrew: medinah), meaning argumentative, quarrelsome, or disruptive. It describes someone who creates constant conflict and tension, particularly in a domestic setting. The comparison to a “continual dripping” highlights the constant strain and frustration of dealing with such an individual.
How so?
Living in a house with a leaky roof during a storm can be unbearable. The water drips persistently, and no matter how much you try to move your things to avoid damage, the situation remains unresolved. Over time, the frustration intensifies, leading to a desire to leave the house altogether. This is similar to living with a contentious person—especially a contentious wife in a marriage.
The Bible does not shy away from recognizing the damaging effect of constant strife in a marriage. In
Proverbs 19:13 (NIV), it states, “A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”
Just like a leaky roof, a contentious wife can undermine the peace and stability of the home, leaving the husband feeling helpless and distressed. Over time, this tension can lead to emotional burnout, and in some cases, separation or divorce.
The Role of Wisdom in Marriage:
King Solomon, the author of Proverbs, had a deep understanding of human relationships, particularly marriage. With his experience of having 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3), Solomon was well-acquainted with the challenges and complexities of marital life. Through his writings, he gives wisdom on how to avoid or remedy the tension that arises from a contentious spirit.
The Bible’s teachings on marriage emphasize love, respect, and mutual submission. A woman’s role is one of support, respect, and gentleness. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote in
Ephesians 5:22-33 (NIV), “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church… However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This passage points to the importance of mutual love and respect in marriage. A wife is called to respect her husband, while the husband is called to love his wife sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. This balance is essential for marital harmony.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV) gives further guidance to women, saying, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Here, Paul emphasizes that a woman’s beauty should not be based on outward appearance but rather on a godly character—marked by good works and modesty. This is part of the broader call to godliness that includes a spirit of gentleness and peace, which are vital in fostering peaceful relationships.
1 Peter 3:1-6 (NIV) speaks about the importance of a gentle and quiet spirit for a Christian woman, saying, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
This passage speaks to the power of a wife’s conduct in influencing her husband’s heart. It also highlights that true beauty in a woman comes not from external adornments but from the inner character—a “gentle and quiet spirit,” which is described as “very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).
A quarrelsome spirit can be incredibly destructive, both to the individual and to those around them. In
Proverbs 21:9 (NIV), it says, “Better to live in a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse reflects the wisdom of avoiding conflict that disrupts peace and stability in a home. A contentious wife, through her constant arguing, creates an environment of tension and discomfort, much like a leaky roof that will not allow for peace or rest.
The scriptures teach that marriage is designed to reflect the love, respect, and unity that God desires for His people. A wife’s role is to support her husband with respect and a gentle spirit. When a woman lives out these biblical principles, she contributes to a peaceful and thriving home. In contrast, a contentious spirit—like a leaking roof—can cause ongoing turmoil that harms relationships and disrupts peace.
By adhering to these biblical teachings, women can create an atmosphere of respect and peace in their homes, rather than strife. As
1 Peter 3:4 (NIV) reminds us, “The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight.”
May we all seek to live in a way that honors God, fosters peace, and strengthens our relationships.
Be blessed
We who are saved with our Lord Jesus Christ are likened to a tree planted by God Himself in the world. And we all have a part in that tree, with responsibilities assigned to us. Our Lord Jesus Christ is likened to the trunk of the tree, and we are likened to the branches. The trunk extends from the roots to the place where the branches grow. Thus, our Lord Jesus is the one who gives life to us, coming from God and bringing us forth. But we extend from the branches to the fruits.
John 15:1-2,5
[1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Now, many of us only see the fruits in the branches. But today it is good to look deeper. Normally, a branch is made up of two things: first, the leaves, and second, the fruit. Both should be visible on the branch.
So, you and I as saints must ask ourselves: Are there leaves? And are there fruits as well?
What are fruits? The original meaning of fruit in the tree analogy is not about converting people to Christ, as often assumed, but about producing the fruit of your own salvation—that is, the fruit of repentance. John the Baptist, through the Spirit, explained this clearly. Let us read:
Matthew 3:7-10
[7] When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? [8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. [10] The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
He saw Pharisees who claimed to be God’s messengers, descendants of Abraham, but their hearts were filled with all kinds of evil and filth. They appeared as trees without fruit.
The fruit refers to the fruit of the Spirit, which every believer must strive to produce from their heart throughout their salvation here on earth, namely:
Galatians 5:22-23
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Anyone who diligently shows their salvation in action bears fruit for God, which nourishes His Spirit. And thus, He is greatly pleased with us.
As mentioned, a branch consists of both leaves and fruit. The leaves are the ministry each of us has to draw others to Christ through the gifts given within us. We were commanded by the Lord to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). When you witness to others, your leaves are healing nations, thereby saving them. Remember, leaves are usually tasteless; they often serve as medicine. This is what the Lord does for sinners through us as we witness.
Revelation 22:1-2
[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, [2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
See? The leaves are meant to heal nations, people who do not know God. We must ask ourselves: Are we healing nations by preaching the gospel?
As a Christian, part of the tree of life, you must be an active gospel preacher. Do not just say, “I am saved; that is enough.” Act for the Lord. Tell others about Jesus and let them be healed. Do not underestimate yourself; it is Christ working through you—you are just a branch witnessing to others.
But preaching alone, while living a life contrary to Christ, is dangerous. If you have leaves but no fruits of salvation in your heart… you will be condemned.
Mark 11:13-14
[13] Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. [14] Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him.
You see, some people think merely serving God is enough, without living a holy life. They are found with leaves only.
Let us ensure we have leaves, but also produce fruit because we are part of the trunk of the tree of life. God’s grace will help us.
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Answer:
A broker or middleman is someone who sells a product or service on behalf of another person and receives a certain commission or percentage of the profit earned from the sale. Alternatively, a broker may help find a market for someone’s product and, in return, earn a portion of the proceeds.
If this is the definition or understanding of brokerage, then the work itself is not sinful.
Even the process of buying goods at wholesale prices and selling them at retail prices involves a form of brokerage or intermediation. One purchases at a lower price and sells at a higher price, retaining the profit. In this sense, the retailer becomes a type of broker for the manufacturer or producer.
Therefore, brokerage is not sinful in and of itself, provided it does not involve any of the following immoral or unethical practices:
If a broker is assigned to find a client or buyer but intentionally inflates the price beyond what was agreed with the owner for the sole purpose of gaining excessive profit this is dishonest.
Likewise, if a client seeks a product or house, and the broker knowingly misrepresents its value or condition, offering something substandard at a premium price, this is deceitful and sinful.
Proverbs 12:22 (NIV):
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Ephesians 4:25 (ESV):
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
Truthfulness is a moral obligation for all believers (Colossians 3:9). Any form of dishonesty, especially in financial dealings, is contrary to the nature of God, who is truth (John 14:6).
If a broker cheats someone whether by taking money unfairly or manipulating them out of their goods or rightful earnings this is a form of oppression or theft.
Micah 6:11 (NIV):
“Shall I acquit someone with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights?”
Leviticus 19:13 (ESV):
“You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him.”
God commands just and fair dealings. Exploitation, especially of the vulnerable or uninformed, is a serious sin in both the Old and New Testaments. Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31), which includes treating them fairly in business.
Any kind of commercial activity, including brokerage, conducted within the church or place of worship, is inappropriate and sinful.
Jesus Himself demonstrated righteous anger when He found money changers and traders in the temple courts.
John 2:15 (NIV):
“So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.”
Matthew 21:13 (ESV):
“‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
The church is a sacred space dedicated to worship, prayer, and fellowship with God. Commercializing it disrespects the holiness of God’s dwelling and distracts from its divine purpose.
Answer: Yes, if the income earned through brokerage is acquired honestly, without lying, cheating, bribery, or defiling the house of God, then it is acceptable before God and can be used as tithes and offerings.
Proverbs 3:9 (ESV):
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
Deuteronomy 14:22 (NIV):
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
God accepts offerings that come from righteous labor. What matters is not the type of work, but the integrity and heart behind it (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Answer: Yes, a Christian can work as a broker, provided they conduct their work with:
A Christian broker should be a witness of Christ even in the marketplace, reflecting biblical ethics and moral excellence.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV):
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
Brokerage is not inherently sinful. It becomes sinful when accompanied by deceit, exploitation, bribery, or when done in a sacred space. If conducted with integrity, it is a legitimate and honorable profession for a Christian. Income from such work can rightfully be used for tithes and offerings.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to honor Him in all your work.