Is that a tired and trite old saying – “Hate the sin, love the sinner?” The ecumenical church movement has hijacked the Biblical definition of love, and morphed it into a mushy, weak-willed tolerance. Tolerance is not love! Oh you who say that God is Love, must also recognize that God is Truth – and His Truth can not lie. And His Truth will not allow us to lie to ourselves. We can dig into this even deeper. . .
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes:
The infamous Westboro Baptist Church perfectly typifies this Proverb. Their hatred has consumed them, and causes people outside the faith to make assumptions about others who carry the name of Baptist. Hatred blinds us to the Truth – the Truth of the Gospel, which includes the truth of our own sin. Hatred causes families to fall apart, and continuous strife between people for every reason under the sun. If there is no forgiveness – there is hatred, resentment, bitterness, and misery. Often lasting a lifetime.
Do you have someone you hate? Perhaps you were abused or neglected, and have good reason. But the hatred and bitterness you hold for that person or people, will eat away inside you, causing internal strife – and stealing your inner peace.
but love covereth all sins.
Wow. Take a good long look at the above picture. That is an aged parent and adult child clasping hands. It isn’t always a parent that has hurt us – sometimes it’s a sibling, neighbor, employer, teacher, friend, spouse, religious leader, peers, coworker, some corrupt entity or other . . . no matter what the source – the resentment and hatred is the same. It could be something like a visceral hatred of the government – to the girl who made fun of you in 7th grade. Only when you let that go – and allow yourself to forgive (we’re not saying you will forget) and stop holding so tightly to the hatred that is sustaining you – can you experience the Perfect Love that covereth all sins.
You can’t do it on your own, pray to Him for help, and He will relieve you of that burden. Once you are relieved of that terrible canker eating away at you, you will feel the covering of that sin like a soothing blanket, and the terror and anguish and hatred of whoever or whatever was the recipient of that hatred (deserving or not) will fade away like yesterdays clouds on a sunny day.
It is His love, and His love alone, that makes this possible.
1 John 4:17-19
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love Him, because He first loved us.
1 Corinthians 13:7
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
If you do not forgive – your unforgiveness will grow and fester into hate.
Let His perfect love cast out that resentment, and feel the freedom of His perfect love. Love does not require you to become someone’s doormat – love frees you from hatred. Your view will change – and you will see the the person you hated – as a miserable sinner who needs salvation. Suddenly, things that seemed really important will diminish, and the Gospel and the sharing of it, will become what is most important to you.
Oh, the power of the tongue to commit good and evil! Wars have been waged over verbal missteps. Studies show that children parrot what their parents say -good or bad. Throughout Scripture, we are taught to speak with measure and care. The unsaved will judge the entire church and the Godhead by what just one Christian says! It is so important, that there are dozens and dozens of verses relating to what people say with their mouths, not just their actions.
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life:
With our words we can encourage, comfort, teach, edify, and otherwise do great things through the Righteousness of Christ. We can ask Him to speak through us – to use us to glorify Him. The only righteousness the believer can possess is the Righteousness of Jesus Christ – it is His Holy Spirit working through us that allows our words to be a well of life. And done in His Spirit – our words can do the work we are here for. We can worship Him – and we can witness about Him. All with words. And at the Judgment Seat of Christ we will be rewarded for what we have done with words.
When we talk about the gospel to the unsaved – we are giving someone a lifeline – we are giving living water from the well of life – Jesus Christ!
The second half of this Proverb must be fairly important, because it is repeated twice in Proverbs 10.
but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Once again we see that the wicked will not be able to speak to defend themselves. Right now – it seems that the wicked are in great power, and have control of the air waves, and all media. Scripture assures us that this will not last much longer. And these scorners and mockers of Jesus Christ will not be allowed to speak at the Great White Throne Judgment when the charges are made against them. No lawyers to speak for them, or juries to empathize with them. Jesus Christ is the Judge, and Jury.
Revelation 20:11-13
11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Please don’t delay getting right with the LORD. Now is the right time to find Him – not after you are dead. After this life is over – there is an eternity – and it is up to you to choose how you will spend it. That is the free- will given to man by God. We must choose Him. And we must come to Him by the way He specifies in His Word – the Bible. If you would like to talk to us about it – please email at:
Is it enough to worry only about our own sins? So many lovely Christians feel they should not ever judge, and allow people to work out their own misery. But where do we draw the line? Do we let someone drown in water? Do we let someone drown in sin? Is there any difference?
Proverbs 10:10
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow:
In the true understanding of the 1611 KJV, “winketh with the eye,” quite literally means “turning a blind eye.” This is something that everyone is guilty of, including Christians. We need to speak up, not sit on our hands! Just the fact that Christians as a whole have been cowed into passivity in the past does not mean we need to let it continue. If you see something that is wrong – speak out! Yes – especially if it is in your church. . .
God has “turned a blind eye” intentionally to the world’s free-fall into utter depravity, but He will not always do so!
Acts 17:29-31
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
but a prating fool shall fall.
We all know them, even at church. Give them a mic and they never want to let go. I am saying this as kindly as possible to my brothers and sisters – listening is a great gift that every believer should try to cultivate within themselves. Let’s not think about ourselves, but let us always have in mind the well-being of others. Many times, the well being of others involves listening to them with hearing, understanding and compassion. The less time we spend thinking and talking about ourselves, the more time we will have for others and even more importantly The LORD, and the more filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit we will be.
The title pretty much says it all, but on this blog we like to delve into the “deep things of God.” Most Christians make a cursory pass through the Book of Proverbs, especially the chapters consisting of scores of one verse axioms. Is that really how the Lord wants us to study His precious Word? No, it isn’t. We are admonished over and over again throughout the Bible that His Word is paramount to knowing and serving Him. Each Word. Not just the easy passages which “speak to your heart.”
Proverbs 10:9
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely:
Merriam Webster: upright – marked by strong moral rectitude <an upright citizen>
Marked by “strong moral rectitude?” That means it should be observable by others. No one should ever be able to say – “why would I want to be a Christian – you’re no better or different than anyone else!” The public failures of prominent Christians have done great damage to the furtherance of the Gospel. We have a great obligation – famous or not – to walk uprightly. Not only for our own safety and well-being; but for a walking testimony. Christians will be held to a higher standard because we are a target of the evil one. Do not let the lusts of this world spoil your testimony! Walk surely and safely on the narrow path – for your own sake, as well as the sakes of those watching you.
but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Merriam Webster: pervert
a: to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right :corrupt
b: to cause to turn aside or away from what is generally done or accepted :misdirect
This second part of the Proverb is interestingly phrased. How often the sinner thinks that he’s “getting away with it.” The idea of “secret sin” is a misnomer if there ever was one. It is sold to us as a “guilty pleasure,” and that you have a “right to indulge yourself.” One of the most over-used copouts of the porn addict is that “it’s not hurting anyone.” Prominent pastors caught in adultery never go into the affair with the idea that they will be found out!
Famous pervert, Oscar Wilde, gave the practice of “secret sin,” the literary treatment in his classic – The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Wilde and his friends knew the effects of the libertine, perverted lifestyle only too well. In this fantasy novel, the beautiful Dorian Gray makes a deal with the evil one, which would cause all the excesses of his licentious activities to only appear on his portrait – not his own face or body. The catch to this was, that the more his sins were hidden, the more perverted he became, even offending his libertine friends. It has long been a trick of Satan to sell the bills of goods, without revealing the “side effects.” Those most deeply immersed in a sinful lifestyle, are usually the last to know how their choices have caught up with them. There is no hiding it – the Proverb says – “his ways shall be known!”
If you are struggling with an addiction, please realize that it is rooted in sin. And sin is sin is sin. Calling it something else does not change what it is. Face up to it, and call on the Lord Jesus Christ to free you from that bondage. Bondage to sin and perversion is not freedom, even though at the outset – it may seem very freeing to be released from moral constraints. But it is not freedom at all – rather – it is the worst kind of bondage to a very harsh taskmaster known as the Father of Lies. And he does not love you or care whether you live or die. But Jesus Christ loves you so much that He died for all the terrible things you’ve done – so that you can live forever and spend eternity with Him.
If you are a regular reader of these Friday Proverb studies, you will be well grounded in the fact that true wisdom only comes from God. Intelligence is not to be confused with wisdom! Your IQ is largely a combination of genes, whereas Godly wisdom is a gift from our Creator.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Today’s Proverb demonstrates the stark contrast between the wise and foolish.
Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart will receive commandments:
How much do you love the Word of God? Do you put it aside for sports, soap operas, or other worldly pursuits? How do you feel about Bible Doctrine? Do you find it wearying? Or edifying? Do you think you know all there is to know about Bible doctrine? Or do you feel you could spend your whole lifetime studying the Word and still never know it all? This discussion brings to my mind a rather infamous intellectual, who is completely devoid of wisdom:
This man, Bill O’ Reilly, claimed on numerous occasions that the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is a collection of allegories. How on earth would he know that? While no one could argue that he is indeed intelligent – he is completely bereft of wisdom, because he is completely bereft of the Holy Spirit. He can not understand doctrine because he does not know the Teacher. Nor can he receive doctrine – because he is not even in the classroom with the students of the Word. And, like many others outside the household of faith – he creates his own doctrine!
but a prating fool shall fall.
Millions upon millions of sheeple mistakenly believe that today is “Good Friday,” or the day that our Lord was crucified. Why do they believe that? Because they took the word of a powerful, organized religion – the Roman Catholic Church – over the Word of God. Rather than searching and studying the Scriptures for themselves – they let the Vatican do it for them. Virtually all organized religions now believe this teaching of the corrupt Roman church. We even follow their calendar!
Whenever we receive our doctrine from something other than the Bible – we are fools.
It is endlessly fascinating to me, just how specific the Word of God is on virtually every subject. Most thinking people are aware on some level of the basic human desire to be remembered after passing on. Some call it a legacy – some want their name in the history books – some want a nice eulogy at their funeral. However it is expressed – it seems to exist in all people on some level – and that is why it is addressed in the Bible.
What is notable about the Bible and Its treatment of this subject, is that It is only concerned with God’s memory of our legacies. Not things made with human hands, such as plaques, memorials, headstones, charitable trusts, art work etc. . .
Do you know that to God – there are only two kinds of people? Sheep and goats, or saved and unsaved. That’s right – not good, bad, hard working, lazy, selfish, charitable or greedy – it makes no difference. You are either justified and sanctified by the Blood of Christ or you are not.
Proverbs 10:7
The memory of the just is blessed:
Think about that – if you repent and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior He has promised that He will not remember your sins, because God will only see His righteousness – and we achieve justification through Him.
Psalm 103:11-13
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.
but the name of the wicked shall rot.
No matter how famous, no matter how much charity, no matter how many good works – the promise for the wicked unrepentant is that every idle deed and word is remembered – none of the record of their world famous deeds will stand – none of their riches – not even a bowling trophy! The only thing, the only thing that matters is that you trust in Him today without delay!
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power;
As wickedness grows apace in this world, believers sometimes wonder longingly when the LORD will call them home. The Word of God is implicitly clear – He is keeping track – and He will hold all accountable.
Proverbs 10:6
Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
It is extremely important to understand the meaning of the word “just” in the first section of this Proverb. Who are the just? Those who seek after righteousness through saving faith in God’s Christ! No one can be just on their own – because no one can obtain their own righteousness. And Who is our Head? Jesus Christ of course!
1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
It is evident in this Proverb that blessings come to us only through Jesus Christ – Who is both our Head and our Righteousness. And what blessings they are! Pardon from sin, limitless peace, rest for our souls, every sanctifying grace, adoption, eternal life. . . need I say more? What joy! What bliss! What a Savior!
The second part of this Proverb is sad indeed. We see the wicked prospering in the world, and it “vexes our souls,” as it should! But look closely at that verse – and you will see it says something far more than most think it does. “Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Picture this, because this is what the Word is saying – the unrepentant will NOT be able to answer when the charges are brought against them at the Great White Throne Judgment! Their mouths will be “covered with violence.” There will be no pleading or bargaining involved, such as the courts of law hold today. No negotiating – no reduced sentences – no parole. . .no purgatory!
If you belong to an organized religion or cult, or are an atheist or agnostic – please think carefully about this Proverb – because it tells the future in one short sentence. Think about a trial – where you are not even allowed to speak – and every idle word, deed, and thought you ever had is exposed and read aloud for all to hear. You will have no defense – because your mouth will be covered.
Do not think this is some cruel fate – you have had ample time to repent, and the Lord is not willing that any should perish. Now is the time – not next year, or in a couple of years after you get done “living your life.” The time is never going to get better than right this minute. Turn to Jesus Christ, your Creator and Savior, please do it now because you may not get the chance later.
Luke 12:16-21
16 And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
The ease with which food can be procured in this country, gives us a false sense of security. The entitlement syndrome has left the populace with the idea that they are owed something. Food, clothing, shelter, education – all are deemed “rights” by a sinful and lazy flock of sheeple. The evil shepherd of our nation, is placed in judgment over us – as we demand more and more – the evil shepherd promises more and more. And leads the lazy sheeple to slaughter.
Proverbs 10:5
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
You need not be involved in agriculture to make a life application out of this particular Proverb. Allow me to give a personal example of how I use it it, and have ignored, it to my great discomfort.
Living in the Great Lakes area guarantees mercurial weather. Thanks to John Coleman, we have the blessings of the Weather Channel, and are able to chart the weather for more than one day. In times past, when looking at the weather, there might have been in winter time, a one or two day window biweekly, where the weather was more amenable to driving (ergo – safer and less stressful.) Did I wisely take advantage of this window? I am ashamed to say that I did not always do so – and found my family on several occasions having to go without some things for days before it was safe to drive again. Shameful and lazy!
When we have plenty, we tend to take it for granted – just as the ancient Hebrews did . . .
Deuteronomy 6:10-15
10 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which He sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve Him, and shalt swear by His name.
14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
If you think about it honestly – do you really thing about where your water is coming from? How about your clothing? Do you thank God for every bite of food that goes into your mouth – or do you wish you had something better? How about your shelter? Clothing? Do you take care of and give thanks for what you have? Can you do better at working for the comfort and safety of your loved ones? This could even be applied to shoveling the snow off the roof, sidewalk or driveway – before the ice storm! Or if you live in an arid region – putting out the rain barrels before the rainy season! You’d be surprised how many people put off these things when it is the best time to do them – because of electronic distractions/addictions – like TV, internet, and telephone.
The Laodicean church mood of today, promulgates the notion that “God loves me no matter what I do.” While that is a true statement, it is incomplete. Just like our earthly fathers when faced with rebellion, He loves us as children, but hates what we do.
Bible believers are commanded in many places in the Word to do their best. Today’s Proverb follows this theme:
Proverbs 10:4
4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Living in the greater Detroit Metro area, we are treated to the frequent teacher’s strikes that occur every few years in that crumbling, once great city.
I am forced to wonder why so many of them are overweight, so much to the point that they are wider than the poster boards they brandish!
It is sinful human nature to gravitate towards pleasure and away from pain and discomfort.
This Proverb applies to all of us – from home maker, to bottom rung corporate employee, to the head of a massive organization. We do not work for money – we work to honor the God we serve!
Homemakers – do you have laundry and dishes piled up? Are you allowing food to go to waste? Are you shopping with care and thrift? If not – then you are dealing with a slack hand.
Hourly worker – are you frittering away time when you could be getting things done? Do you spend time thinking about how the managers aren’t working as hard as you are? Do you help yourself to things at your place of work because everyone else does it? Then you are dealing with a slack hand.
CEO – do you spend hours at the golf course now that you’ve “made it?” Do you take advantage of tax exemptions to make your life more cushy with “business expenses” that aren’t really business expenses? Do you take advantage of underlings? Then you are dealing with a slack hand.
Remember brothers and sisters, we are concerned with treasures in heaven – not here on earth! If you are feeling unappreciated, underpaid, and overwhelmed in your sphere of labor, whether in the home or in a factory – so what! So what if you are unappreciated by your boss. If you work with a diligent hand – you are appreciated by Someone much more powerful than your boss, ( or kids or spouse for that matter.)
Please see the studies on the Rewards of Crowns on our apologetics page to see where and how, you, beloveds, will be truly rewarded for your diligence.
Even if you are working in a situation (very likely) that does not allow you to speak about your faith – your life can be a witness!
1 Peter 2:11-17
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
So many Christians can not see past this fleshly world, and only focus on the “rewards” in this life, despite the overabundance of teachings in the New Testament stressing just the opposite.
Our LORD has forever been concerned with the condition and future of our souls. All men (not animals!) are born with a soul that lives forever. Forever is a long, long time. It is the choice we make in this temporal, fleshly life that determines where the soul will spend eternity. If you think we just came through an interminable, desolate winter – imagine eternity without any Light.
Proverbs 10:3
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish:
but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, if you do not know the wonderful knowledge of peace and hope that only He can give, please, right now, ask Him to be your Savior. Tell Him that you know you are a sinner, and that you know that you can not save yourself. Look at those pictures above? Which one do you want? Eternity forever alone, forever desolate and miserable? Or eternity in the Light with your Creator? Many people worry about leaving a legacy, wanting their names to be remembered in history – notice that the incredibly rich man in the following Parable is nameless. . .
Luke 16:19-25
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham:
but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him,
If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though One rose from the dead.
Some would look at this illustration and think it belongs to another, “less civilized” era. Mankind has not changed, just the dressings have. There are more that will deceive and take advantage of others, than there are that won’t. We all need to be very circumspect in this matter. Even pocketing extra change mistakenly given to you by a cashier constitutes as a “treasure of wickedness.” There may be some people who seem to be “getting away with it,” but they will be judged. Perhaps not in this life, but definitely in the next.
but righteousness delivereth from death.
Not deliverance physical death, perhaps, but deliverance from eternal death in the Lake of Fire – yes. Only those who have admitted their sinfulness, and turned towards Jesus Christ and asked Him into their hearts are considered righteous. In God’s eyes there are only two kinds of people in the world – sheep and goats – or – saved and unsaved.
Matthew 25:31-33
31 When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory:
32 And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
Chapters 10-15 of Proverbs consist entirely of comparisons made between the wise and the foolish. The Lord Who made us, understands how our minds work. We always crave comparisons. It is part of our very nature. Over the next weeks as we look at these comparisons, we should examine ourselves and question honestly – which category do we fall in – wise or foolish?
Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father:
but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
The pride a man can have in his son is to be expected. Every man wants to make himself over, except “better.” When the son grows up pleasing his father with his behavior and choices, the father’s heart is gladdened in a way that most women have trouble understanding.
At the same time, when a son does things that she deems to be immoral and/or destructive to himself and others, it is a heaviness on the mother’s heart that most men would have trouble understanding. Fathers can usually forgive their son’s moral lapses more easily than mothers can. For her, this child of her body is laying boulders of pressing, hurtful weight. Historically, women have been dependent on their sons, especially in the case of widowhood, which was not an unusual situation.
We can think of the greatest Son who ever lived, Who, in the last few moments of His earthly life, had compassion on His mother, and appointed His most beloved disciple to care for her. He was the wisest Son of all . . .
John 19:25-27
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
Are you a wise son? Or are you a foolish son? As an adult – any rifts you have with your parents are not worth nurturing. Not in the bigger picture of eternal life. Do the wise thing – and gladden your father’s heart, and relieve your mother’s .
Today’s Proverb is short and heavy hitting. Last week, Wisdom was inviting us in – this week – Wisdom’s polar opposite opens her door and beckons – she is . . .
FOOLISHNESS
Proverbs 9:13-17
13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
(Nowadays – this woman can beckon from cyberspace)
16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
Secret? Her claim is ludicrous.
(does anyone seriously think they can hide sin from The LORD?)
Last week, the lesson for us was that godly wisdom is eternal riches – unlike the fading riches of this world. Today – we learn to listen to wisdom’s call. . .
Proverbs 9:1-12
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
Here, wisdom is likened to a home maker, whose house is well kept, and furnished with comforts of food and drink. Hardly anyone can deny the appeal of a well laid table. In vs. 4 – wisdom pleads with “the simple,” to come and eat and drink their fill of the riches of godly wisdom. Wisdom finishes by adjuring the simple ones to forsake foolishness, and LIVE in wisdom.
The Proverb goes on to give an example for living in godly wisdom. I can’t help but think of the recent debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham in regards to this Proverb. See if you agree with me!
7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
It is unfortunate, but true, that the only thing that was accomplished by that entertaining debate – was funding. Bill Nye is a scorner – he proved that in his ridicule of the Bible. God would call Mr. Nye a fool – yet the world loves him. Scorners are not to be rebuked! If you just look at the eyes of those two men – the difference between the flint hard glare of Mr. Nye and the tender expression of Mr. Ham’s is a good indication of the condition of the heart. Scorners have hearts of stone.
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Ken Ham will be blessed by God for his tenacious defense of the Gospel. Was he shamed? In the eyes of the fallen world – yes. Bill Nye will receive the world’s accolades.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
In this article by Al Mohler [president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary] he covers how the Hegelian Dialectic [though not identifying it as such] has effectively been used to disarm and deflate the Christians and Conservatives in America [and throughout the world] so that a battle was won without a shot ever being fired.
Thursday • June 3, 2004
After the Ball–Why the Homosexual Movement Has Won
The spectacular success of the homosexual movement stands as one of the most fascinating phenomena of our time. In less than two decades, homosexuality has moved from “the love that dares not speak its name,” to the center of America’s public life. The homosexual agenda has advanced even more quickly than its most ardent proponents had expected, and social change of this magnitude demands some explanation.
A partial explanation of the homosexual movement’s success can be traced to the 1989 publication of After the Ball: How America Will Conquer Its Fear and Hatred of Gays in the 90s. Published with little fanfare, this book became the authoritative public relations manual for the homosexual agenda, and its authors presented the book as a distillation of public relations advice for the homosexual community. A look back at its pages is an occasion for understanding just how successful their plan was.
Authors Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen combined psychiatric and public relations expertise in devising their strategy. Kirk, a researcher in neuropsychiatry, and Madsen, a public relations consultant, argued that homosexuals must change their presentation to the heterosexual community if real success was to be made.
Conceiving their book as a “gay manifesto for the 1990s,” the authors called for homosexuals to repackage themselves as mainstream citizens demanding equal treatment, rather than as a promiscuous sexual minority seeking greater opportunity and influence.
Writing just as the AIDS crisis hit its greatest momentum, the authors saw the disease as an opportunity to change the public mind. “As cynical as it may seem, AIDS gives us a chance, however brief, to establish ourselves as a victimized minority legitimately deserving of America’s special protection and care,” they wrote.
Give them credit: they really did understand the operation of the public mind. Kirk and Madsen called for homosexuals to talk incessantly about homosexuality in public. “Open, frank talk makes gayness seem less furtive, alien, and sinful; more above board,” they asserted. “Constant talk builds the impression that public opinion is at least divided on the subject, and that a sizeable bloc–the most modern, up-to-date citizens–accept or even practice homosexuality.”
Nevertheless, not all talk about homosexuality is helpful. “And when we say talk about homosexuality, we mean just that. In the early stages of the campaign, the public should not be shocked and repelled by premature exposure to homosexual behavior itself. Instead, the imagery of sex per se should be downplayed, and the issue of gay rights reduced, as far as possible, to an abstract social question.”
Portraying homosexuals as victims was essential to their strategy. Offering several principles for tactical advance in their cause, the authors called upon homosexuals to “portray gays as victims of circumstance and depression, not as aggressive challengers.” This would be necessary, they argued, because “gays must be portrayed as victims in need of protection so that straights will be inclined by reflex to adopt the role of protector.”
Such a strategy could, they asserted, lead to something like a “conversion” of the public mind on the question of homosexuality. “The purpose of victim imagery is to make straights feel very uncomfortable; that is, to jam with shame the self-righteous pride that would ordinarily accompany and reward their antigay belligerence, and to lay groundwork for the process of conversion by helping straights identify with gays and sympathize with their underdog status.”
Obviously, this would mean marginalizing some members of the homosexual community. Kirk and Madsen were bold to advise a mainstreaming of the homosexual image. “In practical terms, this means that cocky mustachioed leather-men, drag queens, and bull dykes would not appear in gay commercials and other public presentations. Conventional young people, middle-age women, and older folks of all races would be featured, not to mention the parents and straight friends of gays.” Furthermore, “It cannot go without saying, incidentally, that groups on the farthest margins of acceptability, such as NAMBLA [North American Man-Boy Love Association], must play no part at all in such a campaign. Suspected child molesters will never look like victims.”
What about the origin of sexual orientation? The success of the homosexual movement can be largely traced to the very idea of “orientation” itself. More precisely, homosexuals advanced their cause by arguing that they were born that way. Madsen and Kirk offer this as candid public relations advice. “We argue that, for all practical purposes, gays should be considered to have been born gay–even though sexual orientation, for most humans, seems to be the product of a complex interaction between innate predispositions and environmental factors during childhood and early adolescence.” Alas, “To suggest in public that homosexuality might be chosen is to open the can of worms labeled ‘moral choices and sin’ and give the religious intransigents a stick to beat us with. Straights must be taught that it is as natural for some persons to be homosexual as it is for others to be heterosexual: wickedness and seduction have nothing to do with it.”
There can be no doubt that Christianity represents the greatest obstacle to the normalization of homosexual behavior. It cannot be otherwise, because of the clear biblical teachings concerning the inherent sinfulness of homosexuality in all forms, and the normativity of heterosexual marriage. In order to counter this obstacle, Kirk and Madsen advised gays to “use talk to muddy the moral waters, that is, to undercut the rationalizations that ‘justify’ religious bigotry and to jam some of its psychic rewards.” How can this be done? “This entails publicizing support by moderate churches and raising serious theological objections to conservative biblical teachings. It also means exposing the inconsistency and hatred underlying antigay doctrines.”
Conservative churches, defined by the authors as “homohating” are portrayed as “antiquated backwaters, badly out of step with the times and with the latest findings of psychology.”
A quick review of the last 15 years demonstrates the incredible effectiveness of this public relations advice. The agenda set out by Kirk and Madsen led to nothing less than social transformation. By portraying themselves as mainstream Americans seeking nothing but liberty and self-fulfillment, homosexuals redefined the moral equation. Issues of right and wrong were isolated as outdated, repressive, and culturally embarrassing. Instead, the assertion of “rights” became the hallmark of the public relations strategy.
Other principles offered by the authors included making gays look good by identifying strategic historical figures as being hidden homosexuals, and, on the other hand, making “victimizers” look bad in the public eye. Kirk and Madsen suggested isolating conservative Christians by presenting them as “hysterical backwoods preachers, drooling with hate to a degree that looks both comical and deranged.” They offered a concrete example of how this strategy could be used on television and in print. “For example, for several seconds an unctuous beady-eyed Southern preacher is shown pounding the pulpit in rage against ‘those perverted, abominable creatures.’” While his tirade continues over the soundtrack, the picture switches to heart-rending photos of badly beaten persons, or of gays who look decent, harmless, and likeable; and then we cut back to the poisonous face of the preacher. The contrast speaks for itself. The effect is devastating.”
Public relations is now a major part of the American economy, with hundreds of millions of dollars poured into advertising strategies and image enhancement programs. Observers of the public relations world must look back with slack-jawed amazement at the phenomenal success of the approach undertaken by homosexuals over the last two decades. The advice offered by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen is nothing less than a manifesto for moral revolution. A look back at this strategy indicates just how self-consciously the homosexual movement advanced its cause by following this plan.
Those who oppose the normalization of homosexuality have indeed been presented as backwoods, antiquated, and dangerous people, while those advancing the cause are presented as forces for light, progress, and acceptance. Conservative Christians have indeed been presented as proponents of hatred rather than as individuals driven by biblical conviction. The unprecedented success of this public relations strategy helps to explain why America has accepted everything from homosexual characters and plotlines in prime-time entertainment to the lack of outrage in response to same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.
At least we know what we are up against. Biblical Christians must continue to talk about right and wrong even when the larger world dismisses morality as an outdated concept. We must maintain marriage as a non-negotiable norm–a union of a man and a woman–even when the courts redefine marriage by fiat. At the same time, we must take into account the transformation of the American mind that is now so devastatingly evident to all who have eyes to see.
The real tragedy of After the Ball is that the great result of this is not a party, but the complete rejection of the very moral foundations which made this society possible. In order to address the most fundamental problems, we must understand the shape of the American mind. Looking back at After the Ball after fifteen years, it all comes into frightening focus.
Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world.
If you own and watch television, you have been subjected to the Dialectic. If you read a newspaper, internet, listen to radio, or have attended government grade schools and institutes of higher learning, [sarc] you have been subjected to the Dialectic. In most large corporations, hirelings are indoctrinated with the Dialectic. In “seeker-friendly” churches and “Purpose Driven” churches, the Dialectic takes precedence over the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Hegelian dialectic is the framework for guiding our thoughts and actions into conflicts that lead us to a predetermined solution. If we do not understand how the Hegelian dialectic shapes our perceptions of the world, then we do not know how we are helping to implement the vision. When we remain locked into dialectical thinking, we cannot see out of the box.
Make no mistake about it – the Dialectic is diabolical. And so is its instigator. His methods have NEVER changed, and the progression of sin is always the same.
Belief in a lie
Pride
Rebellion
The evil one still lies today, and people listen to him and turn from the truth.
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
We never rebel against God unless we first believe a lie. And it is usually a lie about ourselves. Once we believe a lie about ourselves, pride takes over, and rebellion against God and His authority ensue.
“Everybody’s doing it!”
“It feels good to do it!”
“Life is so unfair!”
“I know more than my {parents, boss, teacher, pastor…}!”
“Those values/music/Bibles are so old fashioned!”
“I am more beautiful/attractive than _____!”
“I am more talented than ______!”
The doctrine of Satan is ridiculed by the world. He is portrayed as wearing a red suit, smelling of brimstone, and even holding a pitchfork! That is not how the Word of God describes him. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, he is called an”angel of light.” And in 4:4, he is called the “god of this world.” Ephesians 2:2 he is the “prince of the power of the air.” Well – this new FOX television series is proof enough of that! And the following linked article should quell any doubts about the true purpose of the FOX networks – including the news branch.
(NaturalNews) The more subtle side of satanism in Hollywood entertainment is now a thing of the past, as primetime television airs blatantly evil shows like the upcoming Fox drama Lucifer, which glorifies the goings about of the “lord of hell” after he fictitiously leaves the lake of fire and retires to Los Angeles.
The premise behind the absurd drama, which is set to release in 2016, centers around so-called “Lucifer Morningstar” and his new life as the owner of Lux, an upscale nightclub located in the City of Angels.
A trailer for the show portrays Lucifer as a handsome, British-accented, well-to-do ladykiller full of charm and wit.
This is the image most people, and especially Roman Catholics, are familiar with. 100% repellent. Sometimes on the cute side, as a “little devil,” other times menacing and hideous.
Through the use of the Dialectic, here is the Satan of today. Attractive, charming, and even – moral. Someone that you might be interested in getting to know. He’s not evil – he’s edgy! What could be more appealing? In the same way Satan has been repackaged for today’s fleshly crowd, so has the Bible, the preachers, and the church of today – Laodicea.
Revelation 3:13-15
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
We truly are living in the last days. Do you see where this all leads? First the idea is introduced into popular culture for conditioning of the masses. Does anyone recall the ridiculous “Uncle Arthur” on the 60’s Tv show – “Bewitched?”
He was the penultimate funny “gay guy.” He wore a neck scarf and had homosexual affectations, yet he was appealing because he was so funny. The TV consumer, lets down their guard and the Dialectic has done its job. Now, we are faced with the worst perversions known to mankind being “normalized” into our society. Decades of “funny gay guys” leads to not so funny sodomites parading their sin down the streets of our cities.
I’m not laughing now – are you? I hope you can see how the Dialectic progresses, and how we got to where we are now.
After a thorough examination of the immoralities connected to our flesh, we move to delve into the wonders of godly wisdom.
Proverbs 8:1-5
8 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
A cynic would respond to this by saying they do not see or hear wisdom anywhere. They only see and hear the evil doings of men. We would wonder then, at the hardness of the cynic’s heart. The majesty of God and His natural world is available to anyone, anywhere. To be oblivious to His work is to be lost.
6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Godly wisdom can never be false – it is His truth out of our mouths and actions. Godly wisdom will never be unruly, or ignorant.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Oh you prosperity preachers – shame! The riches of the Lord are never material!!!!
7 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
Although the dressings have changed – the behavior of people has not. What Solomon advises his son, still applies today. “The attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart,” could describe millions of immoral women in the world today. They are everywhere now – so much to the point that a man, young or old, would have to put his eyes out to avoid seeing them!
11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,
14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.
This immoral woman is married! And even admits to the foolish fellow with the wandering eye that her husband has taken money with him and won’t be home.
21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
O dear lord – how many are seduced by flattery?
22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
How do the wiles of harlot entrap men now? How about internet porn? “Adult” entertainment? Television? Cheer leaders? Office flirtations? Beaches? Malls? Magazines? Just walking down the street? Church???? Is there any escape?
24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
The LORD will always provide you with a way out of temptation. The best thing to do is avoid it – entirely. If you can not look without lusting – DO NOT LOOK!!!! Even if you have to throw out your television! Avert your eyes, and your heart will be safer. I know this is easier said than done, but it can be done.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
Instruction from godly parents is to be integral to the young Christian. Holding tightly to such counsel, will be a boon to resisting the world, the flesh, and the devil!
23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
Often people blame the man in instances of adultery. Certainly – in cases where the female is underage, he is 100% responsible. But – in the sin of two adults – both are responsible. Women who pursue married men are considered whores in the Bible. Not long ago in our culture – women who did such things were called home-wreckers. Now they are glorified in the media, and money is thrown at them for their evil doings.
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
The Proverb summarizes in the next six verse, by comparing adultery to stealing bread. If one steals because he is starving, it is more easily forgiven. If one steals when one has plenty – it is deserving of revenge.
30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Why is fidelity in marriage stressed over and over again in the Bible? Because the marriage between one man and one women is God ordained, and is intended to picture the relationship between Christ and His church.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Last Friday, we studied that falsehood can ruin our lives. The next passage of Proverbs is so dramatic and intense, that it has received the Hollywood treatment, being featured in a movie, a television series, and a four part mini-series.
These six things doth the lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him.
abomination = a person or thing that is disgusting; an action that is vicious, vile, etc.; intense loathing
Sin is a very, very, serious offense against God.
A proud look
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A lying tongue
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
and hands that shed innocent blood.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
feet that be swift in running to mischief.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
a false witness that speaketh lies.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
and he that soweth discord among the brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All sin is wicked in God’s sight. Humans tend to “categorize” sin by making relative comparisons. In man’s eyes, lying is not as serious of a sin as murder is – but this famous Proverb proves that lying is an abomination to The LORD. Even the “smallest” sin will keep a person out of heaven. That means, even our “little white lies,” and gossiping had to be placed on Jesus Christ at Calvary. We all need to embrace God’s perspective of sin, and completely eliminate man’s perspective.
Last week the lesson from the Word was a cautionary against idleness. Today, another warning – against falsehood – which is the sin most Christians overlook within themselves, while being quick to point it out in others.
Proverbs 6:12-13
King James Version (KJV)
12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
froward = habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
A direct gaze, without averting the eyes has long been considered a way of detecting honesty in a person. The Proverb is saying here that darting eyes, excessive blinking, and rapid hand gestures are all indicative of a dishonest person.
14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Truly – this must be the greatest trouble in the Body of Christ. It is tragic that so many false converts are within the fold – but it is a fact that must be faced. How could anyone professing the Name of Christ be “devising mischief continually?” The LORD sees everything – and those that do these things will not go unpunished.
15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
While we may sometimes wonder how evil people seem to prosper – (how do they get away with it?) we can see from this Proverb that the judgement for these offenses will come as a shock to the unrepentant – and without a cure.
2 Chronicles 36:16
King James Version (KJV)
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.
Wonderful history of how the Lord preserved His Word for us. Longish video, can be watched in segments. Many have seen this movie, including the Jesuits, who produced their own “expose” of this in- depth and reverent telling of the saga. Highly recommended. Worth watching again and again.
Click “watch on youtube” to watch this documentary!
Psalm 119:159-160
159 Consider how I love Thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to Thy lovingkindness.
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Last Friday’s Proverb was a stern warning against taking on debt. This week, the Proverb covers another kind of dishonesty. While taking on debt that you may or may not be able to repay is outward dishonesty – idleness is yet another form of sinful dishonesty – a form that we all too often excuse ourselves for doing.
Proverbs 6:6-8
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Job 12:7
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Idleness is a sin that every Christian needs to take strong action against. Idleness should not be confused with taking rest – for even our Creator rested. I will relate now, a story from my childhood – which aptly demonstrates the old adage – “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.”
My mother was a fabulous cook, and after my grandmother found it too taxing to host the family holiday get-togethers, it became my mother’s sole responsibility. One Christmas, while the men were in the family room discussing politics as usual, the ladies were in the kitchen preparing the feast. The ladies included me (age 10) my older sister (age 16) my mother, grandmother, and my aunt.
My mother, sister, and grandmother, were all at different parts of the counter and stove, variously chopping and stirring, while I manned the sink and the dishes. My aunt – a perpetually whiny creature, was sitting at the kitchen table facing all of our backs, and flicking through an open cookbook of my mother’s – while complaining about my uncle – her husband (also my grandmother’s son.)
This griping went on for about 20 minutes while we were all sweating with our work, when finally my grandmother, bless her, said quietly but firmly – “Shut up and read your cookbook!” The point of this story being – the harder you are working – the less time you have to feel sorry for yourself.
1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.
Matthew 20:6
And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
Proverbs 6:9-11
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
We could post a list here of common things that encourage laziness and steal our time, such as TV and Facebook – but blaming those things is another form of laziness – because the real blame rests right on our proverbial laps. No “thing” is the cause of our sluggishness except our own sinful selves, anymore than alcohol makes an alcoholic, or beautiful items at the store cause shoplifting. The sin is ours and ours alone. If we are honest, we could all admit to at least occasional idleness – in my case – it is more than occasional! The reason we don’t turn off our computers, televisions and telephones is because we- don’t- want- to!
Slothfulness at work – whether at home, job, or school, will lead to poverty says the Proverb. I know women who whine that they do not have enough money to buy food, yet will not invest an hour a week to carefully plan shopping and coupons. Yet these same females will spend an entire hour on the phone, complaining about how little they have to spend! How many workers complain tirelessly about their jobs – but won’t work hard enough to advance themselves? Dishes won’t wash themselves, laundry won’t fold itself, papers won’t file by sitting on your desk – and product orders will not be filled by osmosis. Doing the minimum is idleness – and it is very, very sinful. The church is guilty as charged, for sitting back in comfort and not contending for the faith as instructed by the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 15:58
King James Version (KJV)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
The past two Proverb studies have covered sins of the flesh. This week is another kind of sin, and it has to do with making promises about money.
Proverbs 6:1-5
King James Version (KJV)
6 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
This has to do with making promises to others in terms of financial debt. Either involving yourself in a venture on behalf of your own interest, or someone else (like a family member or friend as in co-signing) is against The LORD’s perfect will. Even personal mortgages are immoral in this respect – because you are purchasing something that you may not be able to repay. By signing a contract such as that you have – “stricken hands with a stranger” (a bank or lending institution.) As every person is aware of in this country and around the word – banks do not think twice about ejecting you from the house or car – because technically – you never owned them to begin with. It was always the banks’ – unless and until you pay it in entirety.
v.2 – you said it – you own it!
3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
The LORD says – do not rest until you have cleared up the debt!
5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
The purveyors of debt are likened here to a hunter! As hunters are wont to do – they set traps – and foolish prey step into them.
[what is being discussed here is personal debt – not business]
By Dave Ramsey
Myth: Debt is a tool and should be used to help create prosperity. Truth: Debt isn’t used by wealthy people nearly as much as we are led to believe.
Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you’re in debt, then you’re a slave because you do not have the freedom to use your money to help change your family tree.
According to a USA Today article about debt, 78% of Baby Boomers have mortgage debt, 59% have credit card debt, and 56% have car payments. It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster. But it can be done. Imagine how much you could put toward retirement if you just didn’t have a stinking car payment? This is how the wealthy really build their wealth. Debt is dumb. Welcome to the real world!
Consider the Risk
My contention is that debt brings on enough risk to offset any advantage that could be gained through leverage of debt. Given time—a lifetime—risk will destroy the perceived returns purported by the myth-sayers. I once was a myth-sayer myself and could repeat the myths very convincingly. I was especially good with the “debt is a tool” myth. I even sold rental property that was losing money to investors by showing them, with very sophisticated internal rates of return, how they would actually make money!
Our last week’s Proverb focused on the general sin of fornication. This week is a continuation of the theme – focusing on faithfulness to the marriage bed, using wonderful prose to give us the depth of meaning.
15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Could the Word be any more clear?
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
Proverbs 5: 15-19
Gentlemen – is it possible you do not fully comprehend how it hurts your wife when you lust after other women? Despite the so-called women’s movement, it is clear that men in their hearts still look at females essentially the same way. We read far too frequently of prominent pastors committing adultery. Why? What is the reason?
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
SELFISHNESS
Both husband and wife must be willing to lay aside their self-interest – just as Jesus – the Bridegroom of the church did.
Philippians 2:7-8
King James Version (KJV)
7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
This denial of self-interest is not demeaning! It is the only way to happiness and fulfillment in marriage!
20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
The rebuke for this kind of foolishness is not a mere hand slap. . .
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings.
22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself,and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Proverbs 5:20-23
The philosophy of the world does NOT make happy marriages. Sadly, most Christians have accepted the conditioning that marriages are a 50/50 proposition. That quotient has never worked, and it will bring forth the struggle for “getting our due.” Since a married couple is one flesh – the marital unit can not survive with two heads – which is exactly what the 50/50 idea promotes. Selfishness is the root of all marital problems.
1 Peter 3:7
King James Version (KJV)
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
In our last Friday Proverb, we learned that the best way to avoid wickedness is to flee from it. As the old saying goes – “Run like the very devil is after you!” (Because he is) It was also stressed that the wicked cannot rest or even sleep until they cause others to fall. That is a very important fact to remember when the sinful temptations are being sold to you.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Again, the Proverbs are stressing that God’s Words must be kept deep within our hearts, providing life and health to our bodies. Understand that this is more than prose. Ample (if resentful) secular evidence exists to support what is written in this Proverb. It stymies the “scientific” community as to why church goers, and those who regularly pray and study the Bible, live longer. They continuously try to explain it away with brain scans and Freudian analysis. Aren’t we blessed not to have to worry about the why? And just addressing the logical side of the question – it stands to reason that the truly faithful Christians avoid much of the behavior that makes people sick, as well as dangerous situations and lifestyles.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
From the Hebrew “keep” =
natsar: to watch, guard, keep
Original Word: נָצַר Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: natsar Phonetic Spelling: (naw-tsar’)
Guarding your heart is not the same thing as “hardening” your heart. Keeping it with “all diligence,” protects your heart from being damaged by sin. Leaving it exposed like a target is considered foolishness in the Proverbs. If left exposed, sin does its damage, so that even if sins are repented of, the sins that were swept away still leaves scars. And like all scar tissue – it is hard – and can even be seen in the eyes of the repentant sinner. How much better it is to guard your heart to begin with, and not have to suffer and bear the scars for the rest of your earthly walk.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
Hmmm, let’s think about wisely holding our tongues and thinking it through before we speak in anger, spite, or in a gossiping manner. “Perverse lips” means that the speaker gets pleasure from evil dialogue, such as locker room talk, or “talking dirty.” Not only should we not do these things – but we are instructed to put the people that do them far away from us. If we participate in the gossip, or in the locker room talk, we become as they are.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Further admonishment to keep our eyes where they should be – focused on heaven – not the world and its trappings.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Look where you are going, think about where you are going, determine where you are going.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4: 20-27
Do not veer from the path of righteousness. If we are like Lot’s wife, and are constantly looking longingly back, or to the side – we do not belong to the Lord! In the words of John Bunyan –
Beware of this By-path Meadow; it is on the left-hand. O! how many are walking securely, confidently, and comfortably, in it; while every step they take endangers their destruction. The transition into it is easy; for it lies close to the right way; only you must go over a stile: that is, you must quit Christ’s imputed righteousness, and trust in your inherent righteousness; and you are in By Path Meadow directly.
Pilgrim’s Progress, p. 129, John Bunyan
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
If you were raised Roman Catholic, as Jim and I were, and feel any discomfort from some of the teachings, or if you feel that something is seriously missing – that is the Holy Spirit urging you!
Matthew 11:27-29
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world.
The Vine Vigil 
