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Ecclesiastes 4:9–10—“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

Just before these verses, Solomon describes a man who labours without end yet has no one to share his gains with (vv. 7–8). His lonely labour leaves him asking, “For whom do I labour?” Solomon’s answer is that companionship makes work more fruitful and offers help when trouble comes.

The image of a person falling may bring to mind two travellers on a difficult road. If one stumbles, the other can lift him up. But the lesson extends beyond a journey. Illness, grief, discouragement, and spiritual weakness may leave any of us needing another person’s support. “Woe to him that is alone”, says Solomon, because no companion is there to help him rise.

These verses are often read at weddings, and rightly so, but their wisdom also applies to friendship, family, and the fellowship of the church. God has made us to give and receive care. Needing help is no cause for shame; refusing to notice another’s need is a cause for concern.

Is there someone you could encourage or assist this week? Perhaps you can listen patiently, share a burden, pray with a struggling believer, or help with a necessary task. And if you are the one who has fallen, let a trusted brother or sister know.

Thank God for faithful companions. Seek to be one yourself, remembering that our care for one another is a gift from the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:11—“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”

Ecclesiastes 3 begins by declaring that there is “a time to every purpose under the heaven” (v. 1). Birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing all have their appointed times. We do not choose or fully understand them. Yet Solomon says that God has made everything “beautiful in his time.” God orders every event wisely, even when we cannot see how it fits within His whole purpose.

The phrase “he hath set the world in their heart” speaks of our awareness of time beyond the present moment. God has also placed in our hearts a longing to see beyond the present moment. We want to know where our lives are going and how their many events fit together. But we cannot trace “the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end”. Our desire to understand exceeds our ability. We see only a small part of what He is doing.

This is especially hard when the appointed time brings loss or waiting. We must not call suffering pleasant or pretend to know why God has permitted a particular sorrow. Instead, we may bring our questions to Him while trusting God's wisdom, which we cannot yet see.

The next verses call us to receive the good God gives and to fear Him (vv. 12–14). Today, give thanks for His present mercies and faithfully do what lies before you. You need not understand His work from beginning to end to entrust your days to His hands.

Written by Pr Kelvin Lim

Since 2002, the Lord Jesus has given me a burden for those in prison. The verse from the Scriptures that convinced me is Luke 22:32: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren”. The last phrase convicted me to do so: to bring fellow believers, especially those in prison, to where I am because I was converted during incarceration by the teaching and preaching of the precious words of God. Thus, I am persuaded that ministering to prisoners is necessary.

I ministered to inmates in Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRC) for a period of time while working in The Helping Hand, a Christian Drug Rehabilitation organisation. At that time, I was taking night classes in the Far Eastern Bible College but was encouraged to pursue full-time study by Pastor Koshy in order to serve the LORD more effectively. “The trend is toward the trained” (Rev. Timothy Tow) also embedded in my heart the urgency of theological education for the necessity in such a ministry. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Thanks be unto the LORD; I received the prison access pass in 2012, four years after being established in the doctrines of Scripture. Initially, I only ministered to inmates incarcerated in Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRC), but the LORD has paved the way for me to minister even to convicts imprisoned in Changi Prison Complex (CPC) in recent years. Though the way of ministering is the same: teaching and preaching the Bible, there is a difference in the mindset of those who abused drugs and those who did not! Hence, ministering today requires much wisdom, especially to a mixed group.

Currently, I go into prison to minister the Word to different groups of incarcerated people for two hours each, at least twice and up to five times a week. Occasionally, I have two sessions in a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. These sessions are known as Incare Programmes. They are divided into Chapel Service (CS) and Bible Study (BS). Whether CS or BS, there will be time to praise the LORD, preach the Word, and pray for one another. Through these sessions, I hope participants will be evangelised by the Gospel of Jesus Christ or established in the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God! I also get the opportunity to meet people, especially those whom I did not know in the past.

I would like to mention some of those I have recently ministered to, without naming them. Firstly, there is a brother who will be released in October. He has been invited to join us for worship. He has been sentenced to six years of imprisonment and came to know God through the prison ministry. I have confirmed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, though I did not lead him to Christ. He had read through the entire Bible once and is reading it again to know more about God. This shows me his hunger for the Word of God. I have also encouraged him to attend night classes upon release so that he would grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Secondly, a Malaysian brother who is concerned about his elderly father in Johor Bahru. As a volunteer, the rule disallows me from having direct contact with family members of those I am involved with. However, other volunteers who are not directly involved with this brother are able to help me. As such, I am in contact with one who is in touch with a Presbyterian Church in Johor Bahru. God willing, we will visit the church in due time, and we will persuade them to visit the elderly father and reach out to him. Furthermore, we pray that when this Malaysian brother is released in a few years’ time, he might attend church and have his spiritual needs taken care of.

Next, I also correspond with inmates via electronic mail, aka e-letter. Every week, I send them devotions from 365 Daily Exhortations from God’s Word, written by Pastor, in both English and Chinese. Recently, I started sending portions of Theology for Every Christian again to a brother who is interested in knowing more about God and the Bible. Please pray for this brother who is very thankful to the LORD for His mercies. He has escaped the gallows and needs to serve another sixteen years. God willing, he wants to serve the LORD upon his release!

Now, regarding those who have been released from prison. I met brother Joshua, aka Siva, on 29th August at Gethsemane Media Centre. He is from Elder Lim Ah Sang’s class while incarcerated. He is currently working, and his job requires him to work in shifts. This made it difficult for us to set a fixed time for Bible study. But thanks be to God that He brought us together for a Bible study session using “Fundamentals of the Christian Faith” by Dr Jeffrey Khoo as the textbook. He wants fellowship with fellow believers, and I have introduced him to and invited him to Gethsemane Men’s Fellowship and Gethsemane Adults’ Fellowship whenever he is off work.

Lastly, I also visit those who have been released. Some of those are released under the Community-Based Programme. These people are usually allocated to different halfway houses, but some reside in their own homes. One of those visits to a halfway house led to a proposal for a Bible study class. Out of this class, an invited person came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. He not only believed in his heart in the Lord Jesus Christ but also publicly confessed his faith through water baptism. Today, he is an active member of a Presbyterian Church. Indirectly, a sister in Christ has also been brought to our church from this class. She has been with us for a few years already!

The LORD is good! He has helped me to minister His gracious words to many, especially those in prison. May more souls be added to the kingdom of God, and more saints be established in the faith, for the glory of the LORD our God! “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3a).

Sermon Text: Psalm 146:1–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 27th September 2026

Ecclesiastes 2:24—“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”

Solomon has just considered the frustration of labour. A man may work wisely and diligently, yet must leave all he has gained to someone who did not labour for it (vv. 18–21). Even his nights may be troubled by anxious thoughts (v. 23). If lasting satisfaction depends on keeping the fruit of our work, disappointment is certain.

What, then, should a man do? Solomon tells him to eat, drink, and enjoy the good in his labour. This is no invitation to careless pleasure. The words “from the hand of God” govern the whole verse. Food, strength to work, and the ability to take pleasure in work are gifts to be received with gratitude.

We often postpone contentment until we finish a difficult task or achieve an imagined success. Yet God gives us daily mercies even amid unfinished work. We can thank Him for a meal, a useful task, and the opportunity to serve others. We can also rest when the day’s work is done, trusting Him with results beyond our control.

Solomon does not promise that every task will be pleasant or every effort rewarded as we hope. He teaches us where to look for joy: not to our labours as our master, but to God as the giver of all good. “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy” (v. 26). Let us therefore seek to walk before Him in reverence, receive His daily provisions thankfully, and leave the lasting outcome of our labour in His hands.

Proverbs 14:30—“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

This proverb sets before us the life-giving effect of inward peace and the destructive power of envy.

“A sound heart” denotes a heart that is whole, calm, and free from corrosive passions. Such inward tranquillity benefits the whole person: it is “the life of the flesh”. Scripture often shows that the heart's condition affects one’s outward life. A heart resting in God, content with His providence, is not consumed by restless comparison or resentment.

The contrast is stark: “but envy the rottenness of the bones”. Envy grieves over another person’s good, and desires what belongs to them. It is not a harmless feeling. It works inwardly like decay. Left unchecked, envy can produce bitterness, anger, rivalry, slander, and even hatred. Cain envied Abel’s acceptance before God, and that sinful jealousy culminated in murder (Genesis 4:4–8).

Theologically, envy reveals dissatisfaction with God’s providence. It says, in effect, “God has given another what I should have received.” Thus, envy is not merely a problem with another person; it is ultimately a failure to trust God's wisdom and goodness.

The remedy is not mere self-control, but a heart transformed by grace. We must learn contentment, gratitude, and love. “Charity envieth not” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

When envy begins to rise, confess it quickly. Thank God for His goodness to others. Rejoice with them. Rest in what He has wisely appointed for you. A sound heart flourishes where envy is put to death.

Proverbs 12:25—“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

This proverb presents two contrasting realities: the burden of inward sorrow and the blessing of timely encouragement.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop”. The word “heaviness” describes anxiety, care, or distress weighing upon the inner man. Such burdens may arise from fear, grief, uncertainty, disappointment, guilt, or prolonged trials. Though unseen by others, inward trouble can press a person down emotionally and spiritually.

Scripture does not treat such heaviness lightly. David often described a cast-down soul (Psalm 42:5), and Paul acknowledged being “troubled on every side” (2 Corinthians 4:8). God knows that His people can become burdened.

But the proverb continues: “a good word maketh it glad”. A well-chosen word, spoken wisely and graciously, can bring remarkable encouragement. Such a word may remind the troubled heart of God’s promises, faithfulness, providence, or saving grace.

This is why biblical encouragement is an important ministry among believers. Isaiah 50:4 speaks of knowing “how to speak a word in season to him that is weary”. Our speech should not deepen another person’s burden through harshness or carelessness, but strengthen faith and direct the heart toward God.

When others are weighed down, do not underestimate the ministry of a “good word”. So, speak truth gently. Remind them of Christ. Point them to Scripture. A gracious word, faithfully spoken, may be one of God’s appointed means to lift a stooping heart.

Proverbs 10:19—“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

This proverb warns us of the spiritual danger of excessive speech. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin”. And that means that when words multiply, sin is seldom far away. The more carelessly we speak, the more likely we are to exaggerate, gossip, complain, boast, criticise, flatter, or speak without understanding.

Scripture repeatedly urges caution in speech. James writes, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Our words reveal the condition of our hearts, for Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, uncontrolled speech is not merely a problem of the tongue; it often exposes pride, anger, foolishness, or a lack of self-control.

The second half of the proverb says, “he that refraineth his lips is wise”. Wisdom knows when to speak and when to remain silent. This does not mean that godliness requires silence at all times. Truth must be spoken courageously when necessary. But wisdom refuses to speak merely because an opportunity arises.

A believer should ask: Is this true? Is it necessary? Is it gracious? Will it edify?

Ephesians 4:29 commands us to speak only what is “good to the use of edifying”.

Our words can wound or heal, inflame or calm, destroy or strengthen. Therefore, let us pray for disciplined lips and wise hearts, remembering that sometimes the wisest word is the one we choose not to say.

Job 23:10—“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job spoke these words in the midst of deep affliction. He could not understand why God seemed hidden from him. In the preceding verses, Job lamented that he could not find God whether he looked forward, backward, to the left, or to the right (vv. 8–9). Yet his inability to perceive God did not mean that God had lost sight of him. Thus, he confessed, “But he knoweth the way that I take”.

This is a precious truth for suffering believers. We may not always understand the path God appoints for us, but He knows it perfectly. He knows every trial, every tear, every unanswered question, and every step we take. His knowledge is not distant or indifferent; it is the knowledge of the sovereign God who governs the way of His people.

Job then adds, “When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” The imagery is that of refining precious metal by fire. The trial exposes and removes impurities so that the gold emerges purified. Job was not claiming sinless perfection. Rather, he expressed confidence that God's testing would ultimately vindicate his integrity.

Trials do not always indicate divine displeasure. God may use them to purify faith, deepen humility, strengthen perseverance, and detach our hearts from earthly dependence.

When God’s way is hidden, remember this: you may not know the way ahead, but He knows the way you take. Trust the Refiner. His purpose is wise, and His work is never wasted.

Job 19:26—“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

Job’s words rise out of the darkest moments of his suffering. His body was diseased, his strength was failing, and death seemed near. Yet immediately after confessing, “I know that my redeemer liveth” (v. 25), Job expressed confidence that physical death would not end his hope.

He acknowledged the reality of bodily decay: “after my skin worms destroy this body”. Job did not minimise death. He knew that the grave would claim his present body. Yet he immediately added, “yet in my flesh shall I see God”. His hope therefore reached beyond death to a future, personal beholding of God.

The verse points to the hope of bodily resurrection. Job did not only expect his soul to survive death; he also anticipated seeing God in relation to renewed bodily existence. The next verse strengthens this confidence: “Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold” (v. 27).

As the rest of Scripture makes clear, Jesus Christ fulfils this hope. He is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). At His coming, the dead in Christ shall rise, and believers shall be transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52–53).

For the believer, therefore, death is not final defeat. The body may return to dust, but God will raise His people. Suffering, sickness, and decay cannot cancel His promise. When the body weakens and death approaches, faith looks beyond the grave and says, as Job: “yet in my flesh shall I see God”.