In Proverbs 30:24-28, four small yet wise creatures are described. What is the spiritual meaning behind the fourth one—the lizard—mentioned in verse 28: Proverbs 30:28,“a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces”? ANSWER:Let’s read the passage from the **New International Version (NIV): Proverbs 30:24-28 (NIV)“Four things on earth are small,yet they are extremely wise:25 Ants are creatures of little strength,yet they store up their food in the summer;26 Hyraxes are creatures of little power,yet they make their home in the crags;27 Locusts have no king,yet they advance together in ranks;28 A lizard can be caught with the hand,yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” Understanding the Lizard: Symbol of Spiritual Agility and Access The lizard (some versions say “spider”) is a tiny, fragile creature. It can be caught with the hand—seemingly insignificant—yet it boldly lives in the very residences of kings. This imagery is both surprising and rich in meaning. Despite its small size and vulnerability, the lizard navigates its world with remarkable agility. It uses what it has—grip, persistence, and stealth—to enter places of great prominence. Theologically, this represents how God empowers the humble to access great heights. The Apostle Paul highlights this in 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV): “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” In other words, God delights in using what the world considers weak or unworthy to accomplish extraordinary things. Just as the lizard enters palaces not by force but by design and determination, believers are called to move in spiritual wisdom rather than physical strength. Spiritual Application: Gaining Access Through Christ The lizard teaches us that access is not always about strength, but about wisdom, positioning, and persistence. In Christ, we are granted spiritual authority to access what is otherwise unreachable in human terms. This ties into God’s covenant promise to Abraham in: Genesis 22:17 (NIV) “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies.” This is a foreshadowing of the spiritual authority given to all believers through Christ. As Jesus said in Luke 10:19 (NIV): “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Just like the lizard that defies its limitations, the Christian filled with the Spirit walks in power that goes beyond natural ability. Invitation: Embrace Wisdom and Authority in Christ If you desire the kind of spiritual wisdom and access symbolized by the lizard, the starting point is surrendering your life to Jesus Christ. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and matures through walking daily with Him. When you trust Christ: You are given spiritual insight (James 1:5) You gain boldness to enter the “palaces” of purpose and destiny (Hebrews 4:16) You receive authority to overcome all opposition (Romans 8:37) Conclusion:The lizard may be small, but its example speaks volumes. Don’t underestimate what God can do with your life, no matter how limited you may feel. In Christ, you are given access, authority, and victory—even in the most guarded places. “The lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” (Proverbs 30:28)So too, the believer may be overlooked by the world, yet honored in the courts of the King of kings. May the Lord bless you with wisdom and favor.
Question:Why did God punish Eli for the sin of not restraining his sons, even though we read in Scripture that he warned them? Let us read: 1 Samuel 2:22-25 (ESV):“Now Eli was very old. And he heard everything his sons were doing to all Israel. And how they lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, ‘Why do you do such things, the evil things that I hear from all these people? No, my sons; it is not right to do such a thing. If one person sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a person sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?’ But they would not listen to the voice of their father, because it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.” However, later God says: 1 Samuel 3:12-14 (ESV):“In that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his house forever, because of the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swore to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” Answer:Biblically, the word “warn” does not mean merely to speak words. It also entails taking appropriate action if the warnings are ignored. Eli did indeed warn his sons about their sinful behavior in the house of God, but he continued to tolerate their evil deeds without removing them from their priestly duties. This failure to act—this lack of discipline—was Eli’s sin. He knew of his sons’ sins but did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13). Possibly, because they were his own children and heirs, he was ashamed or unwilling to confront them with full authority. As a result, when God’s judgment came, Eli shared in the punishment. This account carries a powerful lesson for all spiritual leaders today. In our time, the Church is sometimes treated as a place where everyone acts according to their own will, and leaders often turn a blind eye. For instance, a pastor may be known for immoral behavior, yet when the bishop hears of it, instead of removing him, he might only warn him verbally, then transfer him to another diocese, where the pattern continues. Similarly, sons of pastors who are known for drinking or immoral conduct often retain positions of leadership in the church—elders or choir leaders—without being removed. The pastor’s role often ends at warning, with no follow-up action, so the sin continues unchecked. This is dangerous. God expects warnings to be accompanied by corrective measures if no repentance occurs. Leaders must act decisively to maintain holiness in the church. Otherwise, the church becomes corrupt and loses its testimony. Therefore, if you are a leader, remember: your warnings must be backed by action. Words alone are insufficient. May the Lord help us all. Shalom.
Blessings are a divine gift from God. Every believer who has been redeemed by Jesus Christ has the promise and right to receive these blessings. Blessings can be categorized into two types: blessings of the body (physical blessings) and blessings of the spirit (spiritual blessings). While both are valuable, spiritual blessings hold greater eternal significance. Below are some key Bible verses that reveal God’s blessings. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that God’s provision is abundant and comes from His glorious riches through Christ. Our needs are met not by our efforts alone but by His divine supply. James 1:17 (ESV)“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” All blessings originate from God, the unchanging Father. He is the ultimate source of all goodness and perfection. Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” This priestly blessing highlights God’s protective and gracious nature, assuring us of His peace and favor. 3 John 1:2 (ESV)“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” True blessing includes both physical well-being and spiritual prosperity—the flourishing of body and soul. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” God’s grace empowers believers not just to receive but also to overflow in generosity and good deeds. Deuteronomy 28:2-6 (ESV)“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle… Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” Obedience to God’s commands brings comprehensive blessings covering every aspect of life—family, work, and daily activities. Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Spiritual blessings in Christ are heavenly, eternal, and far surpass material blessings. Matthew 6:30-34 (ESV)“If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Jesus teaches us to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else, trusting that God will provide for our daily needs and that worrying is unnecessary. Malachi 3:10 (ESV)“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” God challenges His people to trust Him through faithful giving, promising abundant blessings in return. Psalm 20:4 (ESV)“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!” God’s blessing aligns with the deepest longings of the faithful heart and the purposes He inspires. Matthew 5:6 (ESV)“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” True blessing is rooted in a desire for God’s righteousness and moral purity, which leads to spiritual fulfillment. Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Success comes from entrusting our efforts and plans to God’s guidance and sovereignty. Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” The foundation of blessing is a confident dependence on God as our ultimate refuge and hope. Theological Insights Blessings as Covenant Promises: Many blessings in the Bible are tied to God’s covenant with His people. Obedience and faithfulness open the door to experiencing God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 28). Yet, blessings are ultimately rooted in God’s grace and unchanging character (James 1:17). Spiritual vs. Physical Blessings: While God blesses our physical lives, the spiritual blessings found in Christ are eternal (Ephesians 1:3). Spiritual blessings include peace, joy, righteousness, and eternal life. Blessings and Responsibility: Receiving blessings from God is not merely for personal benefit but equips believers to serve others generously and live godly lives (2 Corinthians 9:8). Faith and Trust: Many blessings are linked to trusting God fully (Jeremiah 17:7) and seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Faith activates God’s promises and brings peace despite life’s uncertainties. Shalom.
Genesis 34:1–3 (NKJV)“Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her. His soul was strongly attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young woman and spoke kindly to the young woman.” Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! A Costly Curiosity Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, was a young woman raised in a God-fearing household. As a descendant of Abraham, she was part of a chosen people—set apart to walk in covenant with the Lord. From her youth, she would have been taught the values and commandments that distinguished Israel from the surrounding nations. She likely understood that mingling with pagan cultures could compromise her purity and her family’s spiritual legacy (Genesis 17:7–8). But Genesis 34:1 tells us, “Dinah went out to see the daughters of the land.” That short statement carries deep implications. Dinah wasn’t going out to preach righteousness. She wasn’t sent by her family on a mission of mercy. She simply went out to observe, to explore, perhaps to socialize with the young women of Canaan. Yet in doing so, she stepped outside of her covering—both familial and spiritual. What followed was tragic. Shechem, the local prince, saw her, desired her, took her, and violated her. Though the passage says he later spoke kindly to her and even claimed to love her, the damage was already done. His actions were not rooted in love, but in lust, and the result was not union, but defilement. The Danger of Ungodly Associations Dinah’s story is a cautionary tale for every woman of faith. Her downfall did not begin with Shechem—it began with her decision to go out and observe the lifestyle of ungodly women. Curiosity may seem innocent at first, but it can open the door to temptation, compromise, and even destruction. In today’s terms, “going out to see the daughters of the land” might look like: Befriending unbelievers with worldly values. Absorbing secular media and fashion trends without discernment. Seeking validation from culture rather than from Christ. Being drawn to social circles that have no reverence for God. Scripture warns us: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”(1 Corinthians 15:33, NKJV) Many young women are not introduced to sin by men, but by other women—peers who encourage them to compromise their values. It is often friends who persuade them to dress provocatively, pursue romantic relationships without discernment, attend parties, or indulge in gossip, drinking, or spiritual darkness. Be Set Apart Dinah did not go looking for Shechem—she only went to observe the daughters of the land. But that was enough. One step into the wrong environment changed everything. Had she remained among the women of her own household—however plain or “old-fashioned” they may have seemed—she would have been safe. As a woman of God, you must be intentional about your friendships and the company you keep. Whether you’re at school, at work, or in ministry, guard your spirit. Not everyone around you is walking the narrow path (Matthew 7:13–14). It is better to be alone in holiness than surrounded by many who lead you to destruction. Let them call you boring. Let them say you’re out of touch. Your soul is too precious to gamble with. God has called you to be holy, to walk in purity, and to protect your inheritance in Christ. “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV) Final Encouragement The times we are living in require serious commitment to Christ. Salvation must be fought for with determination and perseverance. The road is narrow, and the gate is small. As Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” (Matthew 7:13, NKJV) Learn from Dinah’s mistake. Don’t compromise your faith, your purity, or your future for momentary friendship or worldly curiosity. Be alert, be prayerful, and surround yourself with those who are pursuing holiness. Reject ungodly company. Choose the path of righteousness. Remain safe in God.May the Lord bless you richly.