Tag Archives: wisdom

Friday Proverb – Getting Over Yourself

1 Reply

Last week’s Proverb was a beautiful exhortation to obedience. This week, we take a peek at the underbelly – the ego of man – that forever stands in the way of true fellowship with God, and meaningful spiritual growth. Proverbs 3: 7-8, is one of the most well known and beloved of all the Proverbs.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

What a barrier man’s ego is! Think of all the nations of the world, the religions of the world, all people – everywhere – completely, 100%, full of themselves. How did the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, handle the ego problem? This is especially important, because Paul, by anyone’s standards, would have had something to preen about. Paul was educated by Gamaliel, a preeminent Rabbi, one of only seven in history, and the very first  to be dignified with the title – “Rabban.”

The title “Rabban,” which, in the learned hierarchy until post-Hadrianic times, was borne only by presidents of the highest religious council, was. first prefixed to the name of Gamaliel.

[jewishencyclopedia]

paul

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

There are copious statistics demonstrating the benefits of strong Christian faith and its health benefits. Certainly, many followers of Christ have met an early death through religious persecution. But the facts are clear – those that follow the wisdom of God are healthier than those that follow the wisdom of the world. The statistics relating to sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, and substance and alcohol abuse are evidence enough.

Man second guesses God all the time. When presented with the Word – they respond – “Well, I don’t know about that.” 

Or – “To me, God isn’t like that.” 

How about – “Well, I believe this part of the Bible, but I don’t go for that other stuff. That’s not the God I believe in.”

There’s a sardonic saying out there – “I’m just not that into you.” Perhaps a more appropriate expression would be – “I’m really into myself.”  

sage

The Purpose of Proverbs

Leave a reply

This is a series which is installed every Friday, focusing on the Proverbs.  Undertaken  for another blog,  I intend to re-post these – ultimately finishing  what was begun.  The beginning of Proverbs explains their purpose – starting with the greeting:

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

The next five verses lay out the purpose:

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The essence of the Book of Proverbs is the teaching of moral and ethical principals. The peculiarity of this Book is that it is largely given over to teaching by contrasts. It has 31 chapters, 915 verses, 15,043 words.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverb 1:7

One can possess great intelligence – yet still be completely lacking in wisdom. IQ is an inherited ability, but wisdom comes from God. Without the fear of God – there can be no great wisdom – only man’s corruptible wisdom.  Those that do what is right in their own eyes – are bereft of wisdom, because they do not fear God.  God is not our buddy, nor our “co-pilot.”  He is the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Sovereign King, Holy and Righteous Judge,  Beautiful Savior,  and Creator of the Universe.

28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

sage

Friday Proverb – Seeking Godly Advice

1 Reply

Many great and powerful men, have been brought to ruin through trusting bad advice.  Conservative media outlets often express incredulous wonder at the kind of counselors the United States president keeps around himself.  Any studier of sinful human nature would not need to ponder why this is.  Birds of a feather DO flock together.  We like to keep company with those who think like we do.  If we are in darkness, we will be drawn to yet deeper darkness.  If we are in the Light of Christ, we will be drawn to yet more of His light. 

Proverbs 11:14

 Where no counsel is, the people fall:

The infamous incident, wherein the nation of Israel began to divide, is prime example of the first half of today’s Proverb.  In 1 Kings 12, the son and heir of Solomon, Rehoboam, is met with representatives of the congregation.  They ask him, quite politely, if he will reduce the heavy tax burden Solomon had levied.  He tells them to come back in three days, at which time he will give them an answer.  Rather than consulting his father’s old counselors, priests or prophets, he turns to his “friends,” who are as young and inexperienced as he is.  Perhaps even more so.  In following their advice, he states – “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”  This was not received well!  It is the spirit of rebellion at work.

1 Kings 12:15 states that  the reason this happened was in the will of God –   “the cause was from the Lord.”   His purposes for Israel are not license to sin.  Don’t make the mistake of justifying the use of ungodly advice via this Scripture.  Born again believers are never to take the mistakes made by Old Testament persons as an excuse to sin.  “David did it, Adam did it, Solomon did it. . .”  There is no Biblical justification for following in the path of sinners.  And, they were sinners all.

A godly counselor, will always lead you to Living Water.  If you tire of their reading relevant Scriptures to you, then you are not really wanting godly counsel.  You more than likely want affirmation, as Rehoboam did.  The desire to be accepted, colors all of our decisions.  If you really want godly advice, really – then seek the counsel of the aged men and women in your church family.

but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

sage

The Reward of Heeding Wisdom – 2

Leave a reply

The reward of heeding wisdom, is God Himself. He is our reward! This is in direct contrast to what the prosperity ministries teach. If we seek after Him with the same intensity as a carnal person would seek after buried treasure – He will reveal Himself to us.

We continue on the same theme. This time finding out exactly what happens when we receive this Godly wisdom.

10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

This “evil man” can come in the guise of a co-worker, a friend, TV personality, a worldly book or magazine, employer, family member, class mate, neighbor, internet, or even a passing acquaintance.

16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

Of course, the “strange woman” could be any woman. She could be the neighbor that dresses immodestly in front of your husband, the girl at work, the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, one of the female false prophets on TV, your hairstylist, or even your kid’s Bible study teacher!

20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 2: 10-22

And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

sage

Friday Proverb – Holding the Line

1 Reply

Proverbs 10:29   

The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Once again, the Proverbs make a clear demarcation between the saved and the lost.  The pagan world is stymied when Christians repeatedly stand tall in the face of adversity.  They would prefer, if when faced with calamity, that we collapse and fall into the abyss of sinful behaviors that they are mired in.  But – the Proverb states that the Lord is our strength.  We do not need to resort to the world’s accepted methods – we have the Word of God.  Nothing more is required to see us through life’s darkest hours.

Psalm 1:6
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Proverbs 10:30

The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

That’s right all you Mother Earth worshipers, you do NOT inherit the earth.  No matter how much you do to “save the planet,” it won’t help – because it’s not yours to save.  The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it – and He will give it to whom He chooses.  It will not be given to the unrepentant, that is a fact.

Psalm 37:29

 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

Revelation 21:6-8

6 And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

sage

Friday Proverb – Our Life and Hope

2 Replies

The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 

Proverbs 10:27

While the Word of God does not guarantee a long  earthly life to truly born again believers, it does follow reason that those who fear Him, and forsake sinful lifestyles will have better health and greater joy in life.  While we are in our flesh – we long to be with Him, and  having the knowledge of His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence will prevent us from taking a detour into the dark side. 

Living the Holy Spirit filled life is a matter of surrendering our wills to His will.  It is a matter of getting rid of our household gods and fleshly desires,  and allowing the Holy Spirit to completely fill us.  And while it seems that the wicked are holding sway at this moment in time – remember – that to God – there is no time!  Time only exists here on earth – it is not a part of the heavenly realm. 

The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 

Proverbs 10:28

Yes – we must fear our Creator – but we must also hope in Him.  One need only see the hard, brittle, look in the eyes of the abrasive atheists when they are attacking the Bible and Bible believers.  It is a cold, dead expression – void of hope.  And if the eyes truly are the window to the soul – what does that tell us?   There is death where there is no hope – spiritual death.  And then in the not so far off future – eternal death in the Lake of Fire. 

We can be truly glad of heart, and take joy in the fact that our futures are already secure, and written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  There is no reason to fret over evil doers – because their future is already determined if they remain unrepentant.  What a terrible thought. 

The next time you hear news of murders, corruptions, and all the sundry evils that satan has in his arsenal, it would be wise to think where your hope is.  It is not here! not in America, not in anything other than our blessed savior – Jesus Christ. 

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

[Forgive me.  I so wanted to post a video with the classic hymn – “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” but was unable to find one without a sensuous back-beat.]

sage

Friday Proverb – What Do You Trust In?

2 Replies

How many of us think, that if we only had enough money in the bank, or enough food in storage, or enough gold coins, or enough whatever – that we would be safe from impending doom? 

Or conversely, how many of us rely on our poverty to sustain us?  Believing that some entity or other will always be there to pick us up after we fall, or feed, clothe, shelter, and educate us merely because we exist?  Assuming no harm can befall us because “they” will help? 

Proverbs 10:15

 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city:

destruction of city

This image applies to both aspects of the Proverb – because within a city or any metropolitan area like that – both the wealthy and the poor live within yards of each other.  Artificial insulation deceives the dwellers into thinking that all is well.  The wealthy thinks his high tower protects him, and the poor thinks the system will protect him.  And it doesn’t only apply to cities – think of the wealthy plantations in the South before the Civil War.  They were micro-complexes of supra-independence.  But many of them were razed and burned to the ground – lock, stock, and barrel.

the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Do people trust in poverty?  Absolutely!  It is the same assumption that the wealthy make – trusting in the world.  Content to let others care for them – the poor will end in destruction says the Proverb.

Not everyone who is poor or wealthy must end this way.  It is a matter of where we put our trust. Trusting in ourselves, in money, in “prepping,” in the government, in family, in religion, in education, in the media, in anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ – is folly and destruction for both the rich and the poor.

Psalm 118:8-9

8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Please look at verse 8 above – putting confidence in man – includes yourself!  V. 9 – putting confidence in princes is the same as putting confidence in politicians.

Psalm 9:9-10

9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

sage

Friday Proverb – Complicity and Foolishness

2 Replies

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:

turning a blind eye

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.

talk too much

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.

Friday Proverb – The Wicked Will Not Always Prosper

Leave a reply

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

Jesus healing blind

 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.

Friday Proverb – Those Lazy Days of Summer

1 Reply

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.

grasshopper and ant

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.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7TVmnZw4E%3Fsi%3DC0SDUGYjyDHdWvEv
Silly Symphony The Grasshopper And The Ants HD (1934)

Friday Proverb – Working Hard? or Hardly Working?

1 Reply

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:

hardly working

Proverbs 10:4

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

detroit-teachers-rally

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.

Friday Proverb – Wisdom’s Invitation

1 Reply

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. . .

cottage in snow

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!

debate

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. 

peace and comfort

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.

Friday Proverb – Sluggish Workers

1 Reply

I’m sure we’ve all seen it – one or two people actually working – while the vast majority are standing or sitting around doing nothing.  While it has always been sinful human nature to be lazy – certainly the death of the famous Protestant Work Ethic has elevated sluggishness to a lifestyle – perhaps even an art form. 

Proverbs 10:26

 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,

Bitter and burning – that is what the sluggard is to employers and those in authority.  And the taste of vinegar is long lasting and memorable – as is smoke in the eyes.  Never will the sluggard be looked on in any other way, than as a sluggard or potential sluggard. 

So is the sluggard to them that send him.

Do we really want the world to see believers that way?  Think about that word – sluggard.  Not at all a pleasant image to think about.   And it is also unpleasant to recognize,  that the sluggard does not only hurt himself and the image of the church – he leaves a slime trail. 

Which means that though the sluggard is being self indulgent, he really is leaving a sticky trap behind him for others to see where he’s been,  where he is going, and where to follow. . .

There are so many behaviors that qualify as sluggish, in the church, it would be impossible to list them all here.  We could fully embrace the Lord’s perfection, and even recognize such sins as adultery and gluttony as sluggishness.  For example, the lazy spouse will seek outside relationships, or even internet pornography, rather than working on their marriage.  A sluggish body will eat copious amounts of easily obtained foods, rather than prepare healthy foods to eat – because the preparation (planning, shopping, cooking) requires effort and – work. 

We are to blame for the situations we find ourselves in.  Bad decisions are one thing – and sluggishness is its evil twin.  Let us strive to put our best foot forward – and show to the sinful, fallen world, the radiance of a Holy Spirit filled life, and reflect outwards –  the Light of the Son. 

Friday Proverb – Wisdom is Everlasting

2 Replies
proverbs

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. 

wisdom in the Word

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.

rubies

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.

sparrows

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!!!!

Laodicean Church

Friday Proverb – The Wiles of a Harlot

Leave a reply
proverbs

Proverbs 7:1-5

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.

harlot

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! 

major loser

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.

the eye

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?

caught by a harlot

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? 

church, flag and bible

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. 

1 Thessalonians 5:23

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.

Friday Proverb – More Warnings Against Adultery

Leave a reply
proverbs

Proverbs 6:20-35

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!

major loser

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.

the eye

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. 

rapture23

Isaiah 61:10

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.

Friday Proverb – Warning Against Falsehood

Leave a reply

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. 

scheming

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;

gossiping

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. 

calamity

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.

Friday Proverb – No Guarantees?

Leave a reply

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. 

striking hands

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! 

debt

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.

free

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!

1 Timothy 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  

contentment

Friday Proverb – Wisdom is Life and Health

1 Reply

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.

father-and-son

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.

guarding-your-heart

From the Hebrew “keep” =

natsar: to watch, guard, keep

Original Word: נָצַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: natsar
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-tsar’)

heart1

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.

angry-mouth

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.

staying-on-the-path1

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.

Hebrews 12: 13

Friday Proverb – A Father’s Wisdom

Leave a reply

In our last Proverb, we had a thorough comparison of the just and the wicked. This week, King Solomon speaks to his children of wisdom, in remembrance of his own father, David.

king-solomon-teaching-proverbs-from-a-14th-cent1

1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

This father, Solomon, has parental authority.

2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. 3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.


Solomon was “tender” or young when he was instructed by his father, David, and was loved above all others by his mother.

4 He taught me also, and said unto me, 

[what follows are the teachings of David, to his son, Solomon]

wisdom

Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Verse 5 -7 above, are one of the most memorized passages in the entire Bible. David told Solomon to seek wisdom “with all thy getting” – meaning no effort was to be spared in the pursuit of wisdom, and that it would preserve him. Think of the intensity of an Olympic athlete’s quest for a gold medal. These words from David – are the Lord’s Words to all of His children.

People lusted after the same things in 950 B.C. as they do now. Money, fame, power, wealth, things, people . . . the admonishment to pursue wisdom is as relevant today as it was then.

crown

8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. [Long and healthy life will accompany wise living.] 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

godly-path1

12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 

[When Godly wisdom is followed – the path will be smooth – it will not need “straightening’] 

13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4: 1-13

 . . .for them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.

1 Samuel 2: 30b

Friday Proverb – The Just and the Wicked

Leave a reply

Last week we discussed the tendency of mankind to envy the very people they perceive to be oppressing them. We always seem to believe that if the positions were reversed, that we would be different than “they” are. Today we look at three short Proverbs, each one comparing the just to the wicked.

house

33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked:

This has an eternal meaning, as well as a present context. The lost sheep look at the wicked and often see them prospering. But believers know that the victory of the wicked is always temporary. And the curse on the wicked is not only on they, themselves, but on their posterity – or house, as well as all their works. I put pictures of houses here – but think of it more as the heart of the person, and how it looks to God.

peaceful

but He blesseth the habitation of the just.

We must ask ourselves – is our habitation bright and shiny on the outside, but festering and rotten on the inside? Do we demonstrate Christianity outwardly, but have dirty, besetting sin, hidden away in out hearts? Remember, God always looks at the inward man, the dwelling place of the heart. Can we hide anything from Him?

dawkins-and-stein

34 Surely He scorneth the scorners:

At left you see famous scorner Richard Dawkins in a scene from Ben Stein’s excellent documentary – “Expelled.” But scornfulness isn’t limited to the intellectual elite. School teachers use it to intimidate students, bullies (this covers everyone with power over another) of all ages and both sexes use it; parents apply scorn to their children, and children to each other. Then, of course – the children grow up, and scorn their parents. The most grievous and only unforgivable form of scornfulness is the debasement, ridicule, and egotistical rejection of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.

humble

 but He giveth Grace unto the lowly.

That’s right – no matter how many time we fail Him, no matter how undeserving – if we are humble and repent – He gives us Grace – unmerited favor. The scornful are completely unrepentant. Very important distinction!

jesus

35 The wise shall inherit glory:

Those who have wisely accepted Jesus Christ, will receive a crown of glory. Not the scornful – no matter how many good works they perform. The scornful are blinded by their pride. Evidence of this can be seen in the “good works” such as the charitable giving that many of the uber-wealthy, celebrities, and elite do. Professional athletes make a show of visiting sick children in hospitals, and then proceed to commit adultery. The nice lady next door may bake cookies for the church bake sale, and then spend the rest of the day watching soap operas (soft porn) or flirting with someone online. The Word of God is clear – Grace can not be purchased at any price. It is “unmerited.”

outer-darkness

but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Proverbs 3: 33-35

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Jude 1: 10-13

Friday Proverb – The Lord’s Wisdom

Leave a reply
supremecourtmoses

The wisdom of God, is the only true wisdom there is. Prideful, pagan mankind puts Gandhi, Buddha, Plato, and a host of other philosophers before our Sovereign Creator. In America we place our faith in a set of laws that are overseen by a Supreme Court covered with friezes of these philosophers. At right you see Moses in the center of Confucius and Solon. This sculptural frieze appears on the back of the Supreme Court Building (the east side). One would think that Moses might be on the front, since we are a “Christian” nation. Ten Commandments? There are entire websites devoted to exposing the “Zionist agenda,” and Israel’s occult Supreme Court building.  Another case of the pot calling the kettle black! 

muhammadcourt

On the left is Mohammed among 18 other “law-givers.” This frieze is above the Supreme court Justices bench. Notorious pagans such as Hammurabi, Menes, Lycurgus, Draco, Augustus, and Justinian also appear. Pagan gods and goddesses (Minerva, Zeus, Mercury, and Juno) are also memorialized in the Great Hall.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Three guesses Who is missing. . .

That’s right. Not one representation of Jesus Christ in the entire United States Supreme Court Building. The Supreme Court Building came into existence in 1933. (Great occult significance) Go here for a timeline of events that took place during this period. The New Deal is only a symptom of the real cause of the downfall of our country.

foundation

19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens.

20 By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

resting

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3: 19-24

As we wrest with the kingdom of anti-Christ growing ever more powerful, we would do well to remember that the government we have, is the government we deserve. Putting your trust in our now completely pagan government is beyond foolish.  No king can do it for us. No human law can reverse it. We must turn back, we must repent, we must put all our faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. He is our only hope. He is our only salvation. He is our only King.

. . . Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22: 20b

Friday Proverb – Finding Wisdom

Leave a reply

Last week we discussed the ever popular subject of chastening. We now move on to a continuation of the wisdom theme, again personified as a woman. In this passage as in other Proverbs – the woman (wisdom) is an extraordinarily virtuous, extremely desirable female, who is pursued by everyone. Not easily seen, she keeps herself above the fray and is hidden from view. She is what every man wants, but very few find.

wise-woman1

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: 

and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Many men pursue after wealth – yet this verse says that even fabulous wealth beyond imagination is nothing compared to wisdom.

scale

16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 

Verse 16 tells us that there is balance received from wisdom, long life in the strong right hand, and in the weaker left hand – riches and honor. The riches are not to be thought of as temporal ones.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

peaceful-path

All her paths are peace.

Sigh. Think about that. That means – if we walk with wisdom – all our paths will be peace, not just peaceful – but peace itself.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her

tree

It says “a tree of life,” not the Tree of Life. But what this is telling us, is that wisdom from God will sustain us, just as a food bearing tree would.

We are also told that holding steadfastly onto wisdom will give us happiness. Can we lose wisdom? Yes – if worry, fear, or besetting sin is allowed to displace it.

Proverbs 3: 13-18

Here is wisdom –

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.

30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Matthew 11: 28-30

Friday Proverb – Chastening

Leave a reply

Last week we talked about honoring the Lord with our substance, which is something entirely different from tithing. Today we will focus on the Lord’s method of correcting us.

The atheists and secular humanists of the world rail at God – angry that the Sovereign would punish His creatures. Seeing themselves as virtuous, they become filled with anger at what they perceive to be a God Who is unjust, mercurial, and even cruel. Randomly selecting a verse from the Bible, they smirk and taunt Christians with this “contradiction,” or that “savage act.”

It’s just not so, says the Bible. In fact, He chastens because He loves us.

bad-things-good-3

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction:

Isn’t that just what the atheist does? Hate the chastening of the Lord first, and then progress to actually hating Him? How about Christians? Do we say – “Why me?” or “When am I going to get a break?” How about “But I haven’t done anything wrong!” or “Why would Jesus do this to me?” “I don’t think I deserve this.”

lions

12 For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3: 11-12

The writer of Hebrews (Paul) expands further on this –

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12: 5-8

I must stress that this only applies to those of the household of faith.

If nations have fallen into national idolatry, they have no protection. They are all born of Adam, with a sin nature, and must come to repentance to receive forgiveness.

God will use every means to bring the heathen to repentance. Please see here for a study on the heathen’s responsibility to God, whether they believe in Him or not.

Chastening is one of the means by which God perfects His saints.

book

This book by Harold S. Kushner feeds into the idea that people are inherently good. That is the mantra of Oprah Winfrey, Ekhart Tolle, Phil Donahue, James Cameron, and a host of other pagan talking heads. The reality is quite the opposite. People are anything but good. Only God is good.

How do we handle this chastening when it comes along? Get mad at God? Sink into self pity? Allow bitterness to consume us?

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Is there unconfessed sin lurking somewhere deep inside? Even from years and years ago. . .? Bring it all out, and confess it to Him.
  2. Is there an area of life where the sinful, fallen world has taken hold, in the form of an addiction, pride, coveting, lust, laziness, greed, gossiping, or idolatry. . . Repent, repent, repent!!
  3. If none of the above seem to be the problem – then you must consider that the Lord is afflicting you for another purpose, one that may not be clear to you for a long time.
  4. Realize that the chastening is meant for your good, and that it is “but for a while.”

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Hebrews 12: 11

Friday Proverb – The Reward for Heeding Wisdom

Leave a reply

In our Proverb last Friday, wisdom was personified as a woman crying out in the streets to anyone who would listen. This week, the reward for heeding wisdom is laid out in great detail; and that if it is pursued with the same zeal as would be employed in the quest for silver, and buried treasure – the Lord will then reveal Himself to the earnestly intense seeker. But it is conditional – always prefaced with an “if,” followed by a “then.”

1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

The plea here is to make the commandments a part of yourself, to hide them so deeply within you that they become an integral part of your being.

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Important to note  that sound wisdom is “layed up.” That means there is always more for the seeker to search out. The Lord also stresses that He is only a buckler (shield) to the righteous. Those outside the Body of Christ, or, those believers in an unrepentant, carnal and back-slidden position, are not shielded.

8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints.

The post modern church of today has cozied right up to the world, and has embraced it with lame excuses such as “we need to bring the young people in.” How pathetic that must seem to our Lord. See what liberality has done to the church? This revolting image is of “Christian” rock group – Stryper.

stryper-sickos

Do these abominable cross-dressers look like Christian men to you?

We are living in perilous times of woeful apostasy. Never before have we witnessed so many so-called “Christians” who live like the sinful world, look like the sinful world, talk like the sinful world, and fraternize with the sinful world. DISCIPLE is no exception. DISCIPLE is one of the most popular and successful bands in the world today; yet, they are phonies and should be avoided by all Christ-honoring Christians. {jesusissavior.com}

If the Lord and His Word and Wisdom are always foremost in our minds, our Christian walk through this sinful world will be made smoother. If He is our goal and quest in life, and the world and its trappings are pushed to the background, then we will receive the blessings of His wisdom and understanding. We will see things through His eyes, as they really are – not as the fallen world presents them. He must be the focus, then and only then, will the understanding come. Otherwise – the road is darkness and pathos.

 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Proverbs 2: 1-9

Friday Proverb – Wisdom Speaks

Leave a reply

Mankind, full of egoism and idolatry, refuses to hear wisdom, as she is crying out for all to hear and see. What follows is the result of rejecting the wisdom that is offered.

24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Since true wisdom comes only from God, the Bible says that following the wisdom of the world is to invite calamity. Our nation has invited destruction. Just look at this quote from famous evangelist, Billy Sunday(1862-1935):

“Rivers of America will run with blood filled to their banks before we will submit to them taking the Bible out of our schools.”

How quickly America submitted. In 1962 and 1963, respectively, prayer and the Word of God were removed from our public schools. Read more here.

As the Proverb comes to an end, Wisdom states that she will not answer when called upon after being ignored and cast aside.

27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me:

 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:

30 They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof.

 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Following the prosperity of fools??? Ridiculous fashion trends, extravagant lifestyles, personality cults, excessive consumerism, idolization of sports figures and celebrities. . .

 But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Proverbs 1: 20-33

Judgments – Part 3

Leave a reply

So far in this study series, we have covered the judgment of the believer’s sins, followed by the judgment of the believer’s self.  We now go onto the third judgment – the judgment of the believer’s works. 

The believer’s works will be judged at the “judgment seat of Christ.”  This term is used only in the following two places in the Bible, though it is referred to many times. 

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Careful reading of both passages reveals within the context that only believers will appear before the “judgment seat of Christ.” Only their works will be judged – not their sins!!!!  the believer’s sins were already judged in Christ on Calvary –

Romans 8:1

 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

This judgment will take place in the air following the first resurrection!  1 Thess. 4: 14-18  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.

15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

At the judgment seat of Christ, the believer will give an account of himself to God.  It is evident that we should look to our own service, and not judge the works of others.  This passage speaks only to the Body of Christ!!  Rom. 14: 10-13 –

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

It is very humbling to know that someday the believer will be faced with ALL his works – good or bad.  Some will be ashamed and suffer loss – not the loss of salvation – but the loss of rewards.  1Cor. 3:11-15 –   11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 John 2:28

And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming.

water in a weary land

Whatever you do – no matter how insignificant it may seem  – do it to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

God the Father – #1- The Existence of God

Leave a reply

God is the only Infinite and Eternal Being – having no beginning and no end – the Creator and Sustainer of all things. 

The Bible nowhere attempts to prove or argue the existence of God.  God’s existence is a fact taken for granted by the writers of both the old and new testaments.

The Bible opens by announcing the sublime fact of God and His eternal existence – “In the beginning God,” Gen. 1:1 

  • Universal belief in God comes from within mankind.  It is an innate belief, sourced from rational intuition.
  • The cause and effect argument – Everything that began owes its existence to a cause – we have a watch – we must have a watchmaker.  The Creation could not have come into being without a creator, no more than a book can be produced from the alphabet without an author.
  • Via anthropology – man’s moral and intellectual nature argues for a moral and intellectual creator.
  • The Bible and the Christ it reveals – His Virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death and bodily resurrection, and documented miracles – all argue for the existence of God. 

Man is natural and cannot know God by wisdom. The Bible argues for our faith in God – not His existence.  It says in multiple places that those who do not believe in the existence of God are fools, because He is so obvious. 

Job 11:7

King James Version (KJV)

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

old bible

Hebrews 11:6

King James Version (KJV)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

The phrase highlighted in red above is pivotal. “he that cometh to God must believe that He is,” is imperative.  This is the free will that He gave to us – we must decide, and then choose Him.