Solomon

Commended for Wisdom

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Our words, our work, and our way is the testimony of our lives and our wisdom; or the lack of wisdom.

“A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.” Proverbs 12:8-11 (KJV)

From verse 8 we can see… Acting and/or speaking with wisdom gains the respect of others.

From the study Bible of the English Standard Version we read…

“Prov. 12:9–11 These are sayings about ordinary workers that illustrate either the “good sense” or the “twisted mind” of v. 8. Lack bread (end of v. 9) is paralleled by lacks sense (end of v. 11), and both verses speak of the importance of prudent labor in order to provide enough to eat. The point of the whole is that the righteous person cares even for his animals (v. 10a) and provides for his household by a sensible perspective on life (v. 9a) and sensible labors (v. 11a). By contrast, he who follows worthless pursuits (v. 11; such as get-rich-quick schemes, gambling, or lotteries, in a modern context) lacks sense and, by contrast with the first half of the verse, will probably live in poverty as well (cf. 28:19).” ESV Study Bible

Let us who know Jesus practice wisdom through the words we speak the way we walk, and work.

Righteous Judgments

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As we look at the following verses from Proverbs let us consider how we are to treat our neighbor.  The one next door, and the one 12,500 miles away.  The heart of the Christian is growing to become more like that of Jesus Christ, and He gave us the story of the “Good Samaritan” which is a familiar story the world over (Luke 10:30-37).  If every Christian would live like this, there would be less trouble between neighbors.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” Proverbs 11:1-6 (KJV)

The following are some points to ponder…

  1.  Balances were a means of conducting much agricultural, metals, and other forms of business in days of the past. Notice that the “False balance” is an “Abomination to the LORD” – something that is disgusting, and wicked in the sight of the LORD.
    This proverb (v. 1) can be tied with the command to “Love our neighbor” (Matthew 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31) as ourselves; and the final six of the Ten Commandments. The Lord delights in a just weight or right balances.
  2.  Pride, arrogance, insolence, presumptuousness are words very similar in meaning. Most people hate arrogance when it is seen in someone else. The Mirriam/Webster Dictionary defines “arrogant” as being “Offensives exaggerating one’s own importance”; “insolent” is defined as “contemptuous, rude, disrespectful, or brutal in behavior or language: OVERBEARING, BOLD”; “presumptuous” means “overstepping due bounds; taking liberties: OVERBOLD.” With this “Pride” comes shame following closely on the heels – see Proverbs 16:18.
    In contrast is the “lowly” or the modest individual. These are usually the thankful person. The individual who knows they are not alone and trust the Lord for their every need.
  3.  “Integrity” equals “Soundness: adherence to a code of values: utter sincerity, honesty, and candor: completeness.” These, of course, would be guided by the teachings of God’s word and the Holy Spirit in the Christian.
    In this verse as well as verses 2, and 4 through 6 there are contrasting statements: “The integrity of the upright” and “The perverseness of transgressors”; Riches and righteousness; “The righteousness of the perfect… but the wicked shall fall…”

There is destruction awaiting those connected to unrighteousness.

There is deliverance for the righteous; but “transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” (Jeremiah 2:19)

Wisdom of Work, and the Mouth

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

Words have power.  It is my belief that if we as people would do our individual jobs, and responsibilities, and listen twice as much as we open our mouths the world would be a better place.  God gave us two ears and one mouth; and that means we ought to do twice as much listening, as we do speaking.

Hear the Proverbs…

“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but He casteth away the substance of the wicked. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs 10:1-6 (KJV)

At least 13 times in chapter ten there is reference to “mouth”, “lips”, or “tongue”. Verses 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, and 32 with a couple of verses having two references.

There is power in our use of words with our tongues, lips, our mouth; hear what God says about the power of the tongue; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21).

From Warren W. Wiersbe –

Wise and righteous are key words in this chapter, and they go together, for the wise practice righteousness and the righteous grow in wisdom.
The wise bring joy and not grief to their parents (v. 1). They will take advantage of God-given opportunities (v. 5) and will obey orders (v. 8). Wise people gather knowledge (v. 14) and share it with others (vv. 13, 21, 31). They also know when to be quiet (v. 19). They do not jest about sin (v. 23) but are serious about obeying the Lord.
The righteous have God’s protection and provision (vv. 2–3, 24–25), and He blesses them in life (v. 6) and after death (v. 7). Their words give life (vv. 11, 20–21, 31–32), and their works prosper (v. 16). Their future is secure (v. 30) and joyful (v. 28).
If you are wise and righteous, those traits will be revealed by your words (vv. 6, 11, 14, 20–21, 31–32) as well as by your works.

Of verse 6 Matthew Henry Commentary says,

“Verse 6
Here is, 1. The head of the just crowned with blessings, with the blessings both of God and man. Variety of blessings, abundance of blessings, shall descend from above, and visibly abide on the head of good men, real blessings; they shall not only be spoken well of, but done well to. Blessings shall be on their head as a coronet to adorn and dignify them and as a helmet to protect and secure them. 2. The mouth of the wicked covered with violence. Their mouths shall be stopped with shame for the violence which they have done; they shall not have a word to say in excuse for themselves (Job 5:16); their breath shall be stopped with the violence that shall be done to them, when their violent dealings shall return on their heads, shall be returned to their teeth.”

Let us commit ourselves to doing what God has given us to do, as unto Him doing it with all our heart; then with busy hands and feet the mouth will be used for right and good.  There is power in words.

Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding

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I long to be a wise individual, a man of wisdom.  I want my wife to be a woman of wisdom, and my children to be sons and daughters of wisdom.  The wisdom I speak of of course is godly wisdom.  I have enough of the world’s wisdom in my head which is devilish.

As we have  previously seen “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”, and we begin fearing the LORD, by believing what He says, and putting it to work.  That starts with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Do you believe? To not believe in the life, ministry and the works of Jesus Christ, Christ Himself is to condemn yourself to a live of foolishness.

Hear what the writer of Proverbs says…

“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” Proverbs 9:7-12

Now I leave you with the writing of a man from the past.  Warnings of Wisdom to the Wise. (Matthew 7:6). John Gill writes of verse 7;

“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame,…. Intimating, that though the simple, and such as want understanding, and of whom there is hope of doing them good, are to be invited into Wisdom’s house; yet not the haughty scorner, the abandoned sinner, the scoffer at all religion, who walks after his own lusts, and is quite irreclaimable; it is but casting pearls before swine, and giving that which is holy to dogs, to reprove and exhort such persons; though the Gospel is to be preached to every creature, yet when men despise it, and make a mock at it, they are to be turned from, and no more is to be said to them; as the Jews of old, they were the first invited to the Gospel feast, the same that is described in the context; they made light of it, contradicted and blasphemed the word, and so judged themselves unworthy of it; wherefore Wisdom’s maidens, or Christ’s ministers, were bid to turn from them, and go to the Gentiles, and preach it to them; for it is to no purpose to address such persons; “shame” is the sure consequence of it, because a man is disappointed of the end he has in view, which is doing good;

and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot; this shows who is meant by a scorner, a very profligate man, bent on his wicked ways, and quite incorrigible; to rebuke such an one is not only labour lost, and in vain, but the rebuker getteth himself an ill name, and is sure to have the dirt of reproach and scandal cast upon him; though this a man might patiently bear, if there was any hope of doing good.”

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

 

Wisdom, Leadership and Justice

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

The personification of wisdom was first witnessed in the first chapter; and another time or two.  Now again in chapters eight and nine.  I want us to remember that Wisdom lives in the Person of Jesus Christ.

There is a need for wisdom, and justice in this world; especially in leadership positions, and more so among Christians and leadership.  Hear from Wisdom today…

“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” Proverbs 8:12-21 (KJV)

Justice is found through Wisdom. Remember the wisdom of Solomon when he took a sword, and would divide the child, due to the dispute between two mothers (1 Kings 3:16-28). To the erring mind that judgment would seem harsh; however there was prudence, discretion, subtilty, in that judgment.

You could also use that event to show that wisdom “find’s out knowledge of witty inventions”.

Wisdom hates what God hates; loves what God loves. Here in verse 13 we see some of what God hates again, through Wisdom – Pride, arrogance, evil paths, and a froward mouth. The “froward mouth” is a perverse mouth. You ever hear someone that when they speak all that comes out of their mouth is rot, stink and filth. That is not just dealing with vulgarity of language, but assination of anothers life and character, gossip – whether it is from a bitter heart or not. Hear the words of Jesus…

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45

 

True and good “counsel” belongs to Wisdom (v. 14). Leadership sponsored by Wisdom is a leadership of Justice. The Judge of all promises riches and righteousness, and will fill the treasures of those who follow Wisdom.

Designs of Deception

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

Deception is prevalent in all of life.  It is amazing how easily the human can be deceived.  There are some people who set out for that purpose to deceive, and defraud others of what they have.  What they have being things, money, or themselves even.

The book or Proverbs gives many warnings of these deceptive people and their practices…

“For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, and beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: and, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.” Proverbs 7:6-15 (KJV)

These verses, and on through verse 23 describes a young many for he is “Among the youths” and he is void of understanding; and the temptress presents herself to lure him into a life of detriment and pain.

These temptations do not only have to do with sexual temptations, but any other temptation as well.  Most have to do with self-control, and according to Galations 5:22-23 “Temperance” is self-control one of the fruit of the Spirit of God.

There is much hypocrisy in the statement of this woman – the temptress.  See Leviticus 7:11-18. “Peace offerings” were a part of the Hebrew worship. This is the way of evil. There is probably more evil within the churches of the USA than most of us would like to admit, or think. Hypocrisy is pretending to be something one is not. Whether it is a wolf acting as a sheep; or a sheep acting as a wolf it is hypocrisy.

“…Ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour…” 1 Thessalonians 4:2-4

There is a much greater danger than the husband returning home (vv. 19-20). There is first the offense of God; there is the offense to one’s self; there is the offense of one’s future spouse; and the offense of the offended spouse. There is also possible reference to disease in verse 23.

Let us who are of the Spirit of God, born again in Christ Jesus guard our hearts and minds; hiding the word of God in our heart that we might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11).

Some Things God Hates

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There are some things which God hates.  You might be one of those people who find it difficult to believe that God hates anything.  The writer of Proverbs tells us of seven abominations which He does hate.  That is what we look at today.

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an 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 brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19

We must understand that the God of the Bible is holy, righteous and just; and because He is those things there must be of necessity things which He hates the above seven things are some of them – seven in fact which cover the entirety of the human race.

Seven things which God hates. These seven things are directly related to the heart of evil.
From the ESV Study notes we read of verse 16,

“This numeric literary device presents a representative rather than exhaustive list (cf. 30:15–16, 18–19, 21–31) that seeks to draw particular attention to the final item as the focus of God’s hatred. It is easy to agree that God hates the first six items; it is also easy to overlook the seventh (v. 19b), and thus the author pulls the reader up short.”

From the Matthew Henry Commentary we find,

“God hates sin; he hates every sin; he can never be reconciled to it; he hates nothing but sin. But there are some sins which he does in a special manner hate; and all those here mentioned are such as are injurious to our neighbour. It is an evidence of the good-will God bears to mankind that those sins are in a special manner provoking to him which are prejudicial to the comfort of human life and society. Therefore the men of Belial must expect their ruin to come suddenly, and without remedy, because their practices are such as the Lord hates and are an abomination to him, v. 16. Those things which God hates it is no thanks to us to hate in others, but we must hate them in ourselves.”

I want you to realize today that God loves you.  He loves the world and you and me are part of the world and He loves us.  So much that He gave His only Son that believing in Him we would not perish, but have everlasting life.

Some one once said, “God will not allow His children to sin successfully.”  The child of God cannot continue to live in sin and its abomination without serious consequences.

Follow this link to a more thorough study of these verses.

Morality and Marriage

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Morality in the minds of some people is dependent upon the culture you are in, or that you grew up in.  I can see how the morals you were or were not taught as a child growing up will be with an individual throughout their lives; yet with teaching, hearing, understanding and wisdom good morals can become a part of one’s life.

Marriage is an institution made by God Himself.  Its beginning is traced back to near the beginning of the creation of mankind to Adam and Eve.  It was meant by God for a man and a woman to be husband and wife (Genesis 2:21-25).

The book of Proverbs has wisdom for every area of life and living.  When we  apply Scripture to our lives through the lens of Calvary – the cross of Jesus Christ, then marriage, morality, and all of life makes a lot more sense.

Hear the words of wisdom…

“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.” Proverbs 5:3-14 (KJV)

The father teaching his son of the wiles of a “Strange woman” a wayward woman, a prostitute.  A woman who may use her earthly beauty for gain in any way she chooses.  These are words of warning.

There is warning here for that woman too, if she will  hear it.  Her end is bitter; her feet go down in death, her steps are on the road to hell; and quite speedily.

The young man, or any man who chooses to follow this woman will have an end similar to hers.

Marriage is good.  The relationship between the man and his wife; or the woman and her husband is a precious union that bears fruit for the glory of God (Read verses 15-21).

Some who read this will shun the words.  Some will agree with them, yet consider them not applying to their lives, even though they are living that erring way themselves.  It amazes me how we can be so blind to our own evil ways.

O Lord GOD open the eyes of those who are blind to their own evil immorality. There is only one thing setting the difference between immorality, and immortality; and that is the “T”, or the cross of Jesus Christ.  Come to Christ Jesus and be delivered from your sin; and you will have everlasting life.

You will then have the desires of the Lord Jesus Christ, set your sites on Him, love His word, and keep His commandments.

Hold On to Wisdom

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

In the study of Proverbs we must keep in mind that these proverbs are not promises.  They are rather a collection of sayings  which do happen in the general sense of things.

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:1-13 (KJV)

Hold on to wisdom; like a family heirloom. Children are the fruit of marriage, and the responsibility of their teaching, their learning is that of the father and mother. It is, however the responsibility of the child to learn the teachings which they are taught. Hearing instruction; godly instruction; as lived by the parent is necessary for the child to see as well as hear.

Cramming Scripture into the child’s life; especially for correction; will make the child hate it rather than love Scripture and God.  When they see their mother and father reading and studying Scripture, praying, and living their lives like they teach them then it will have an affect on the child’s life as well.

When God is our Father, our Instructor/Teacher we know that His teaching is never in error. If we err from His teaching it is the child who errs not the Father. Remember Wisdom is personified in Proverbs, and is seen in the New Testament as Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God; God the Living Son.

Love and Discipline

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Every parent has entered parenthood completely inexperienced.  O how we can mess things up.  We make many mistakes.  I am so thankful that God has given us a manual for raising children.  It is called the Bible; but it is so much more than a manual for raising children.

The book Proverbs is of a father instructing his son in the way of life and living in wisdom and knowledge.  So many times we neglect the teaching of children in the way of God, and give them many instructions, and disciplines for finances, marriage, and making a living.  If we teach them discipline in the things of God, then they can better learn to discipline themselves in those other matters.

“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of His correction: for whom the LORD loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3:11-12 (KJV)

I have heard parents say,  “I want to be a friend to my child”, and I guess they suppose that being a friend to their child will cause that child to love them more.  First you were given a child to be their parent, their teacher, their leader, their commanding officer;  you get the point.

Sometimes you need to give an erring child a good warm butt-warming as a loving parent.

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Proverbs 13:24

You are not loving your child by overlooking their rebellion, their bad language, or their rudeness and disobedience to you or any who are in authority.  Being a loving parent means you will teach them respect for yourself, and others in places of authority.

We also need to realize as adults that we ourselves are under authority, and must be respectful to the authorities.  If we are not we will pay the consequences for it.  Disrespect will gain us chastening, some form of discipline such as a speeding ticket, a fine for not wearing a seat belt; or for something more serious maybe time in jail or prison.

As a Christian we should appreciate the chastening of the LORD.  It is because He loves us that He chastens us.  His discipline shows us, and is proof that He loves us.  It shows that He has the best plan for our life, and that He will get us to the place He wants us.  Let me remind you of the letter to the Hebrews words…

“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. 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 12:6-11

Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ believe on Him today and become a regenerated child of God.

Receiving Wisdom

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

As I study the book of Proverbs I realize just how short of wisdom I really am.  That is why I so trust the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the real Giver and Teacher of wisdom.  If wisdom could be Personified it would be in Jesus the Christ Son of God, God the Son.

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.” Proverbs 2:1-9(KJV)

At least three times the word “If” is used.  Meaning that wisdom is dependent upon us receiving it from the giver.  It is dependent upon our desire for it. Or do we just want to live meaningless, ungodly, unenlightened, dark, doubting, fearful lives?

A father giving instruction to his son.  That is so needed in every family.  The first “If” is calling for the son to hear, and hide the father’s commandments in the life.  Does the son have a burning desire for wisdom?  “If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding…”  is an earnest desire, strong passion to have what the father is endeavoring to teach his son.

Then, there will be understanding of the “Fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God”.

For us to have wisdom begins with a great desire to have it.  To have Godly wisdom begins with the desire to know God, and doing what God says, believing what He has said.

God sent His only begotten Son because of His great love for us, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:15-18).  Believe this and that will be the beginning of wisdom.

It is Best to Listen to Wisdom

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“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.” Proverbs 1:24-27 (KJV)

For the month of March I will be endeavoring to do a short study from the Wisdom book of Proverbs.

In the above verses the message begins from Wisdom in verse 20.  So Wisdom is personified by Solomon here and in chapters 8 and 9.  We will get to those later.  For the study today we focus on 1:24-27.

Wisdom will not be ignored.  When we speak of Wisdom we speak of God’s Wisdom.  Compare godly wisdom to the wisdom of men…

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13-18

Since this wisdom is godly wisdom it comes from none other source than the  heart of God Himself.  It comes from His Word, His promises, His power, His Spirit, and His works – His works that He does even, maybe especially, in His people; as His people yield to His wisdom.

When the child of God chooses his/her own way rather than God’s way and wisdom we end up showing our bitterness, envy, anger, strife, and we start disbelieving the word of God; until God gets ahold of us, and sets us right.  It is not a pleasant thing for the child of God for Him to get ahold of us (Hebrews 12:6-8).

When we are not right with God; walking with Him in His Spirit, then, there will be great fear with no peace to face it.

Those who reject God, His wisdom, and His grace will one day find themselves being laughed at and mocked because your own wisdom fails you; and your calamity will be an eternal one.

O turn to the One who is All Wise, believe His promises, and trust His grace and mercy that He has given mankind by that God-Man Jesus the Christ who died on the cross for our sins, was buried and He rose again;  believing He is the Son of God; God the Son.  That is where Wisdom begins.

Christmas Day Forty Eight

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What do I want for Christmas today?

I do want the candidate that I have chosen to vote for to be the next President of the United States of America; however, if that candidate is not chosen, then I want to continue being faithful to God through His Son Jesus Christ in His wisdom and grace – praying for the President of this nation, their salvation and the saving of this nation.

“Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.”  (Says wisdom) Proverbs 8:34 (KJV)

The Conclusion of the Matter

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“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

In reading the book of Ecclesiastes we find that the life of every individual has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The body of our lives includes many plots and sub-plots, and climaxes. Those climaxes are not the end, or conclusion of life. They are just another peak reached, then we do something different, more, or less adventure, etc..

From seeing things as vain in life; “vanity of vanities all is vanity” were Solomon’s words as he writes of his life’s adventure. He reaches the conclusion of the matter.

That conclusion is that only with God does life even matter.

The sole duty of man is not to live for oneself, but for God, and to glorify Him; to enjoy Him forever. He alone has made that possible.

We must remember that there is nothing hidden from God. In our era of time there are so many frightened that the government(s) of men have so much observation of our personal lives by means of video, video cameras, and satellite and by our computers. I think of that this way; I already have Someone who sees all that I do. He knows every thought I think. He sees everything I do. There is nothing that I do, no secret thing, that gets past Him; He is God. What do I have to fear from a government that is run amuck from God.

Jesus said,

“For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.” Mark 4:22

We can be certain that nothing we do gets around God. We can also be certain that there is nothing that happens which surprises Him. The conclusion of the matter of life is found in knowing God and being known by Him.

When we have both, then we are assured of an eternal home with Him. That is made possible through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ God’s only begotten Son.

Christians and the Authorities

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“If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.” Ecclesiastes 10:4 (KJV)

It has become quite apparent to me that many in the world; and especially in the U. S. of A. have problems dealing with people who have authority over us. I will not mention any particular cases; but if you see any news broadcast you know what I am writing about.

Children having problems with their parents, because they refuse to submit to their authority. Maybe it is the parent who should submit to the child. NOT!

We live in a world where there are laws; and there are authorities of those laws. If we are a Christian our first submission is to God, His Son, His Spirit and His Word. If we are submissive to Him we will have no problem “Yielding” to the authorities He has placed over us (Romans 13:1-7).

Whether it is to a king, president, prime minister, or a despot; if that is who is our ruler, then we are to yield to his rule; as far as he has submitted and yielded to God’s rule, and law. A police officer is a ruler in your town or city. If you get pulled over, and he/she tells you to spit; then spit. If he/she ask you to get out of the car, then carefully get out of the car. You yielding to her/him will pacify any anger that may have been generated earlier (Proverbs 25:15).

Our ultimate Authority is the Creator of the Universe. Yield to Him. Yield to the death, the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. When we yield to Him we will yield to the authorities He has placed over us.

My Foot, My Mouth, and My Sacrifice

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“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (KJV)

Our feet are the means of our transportation. With them we walk about our homes. We walk to our automobiles. Some people who live near their place of employment walk to work, and we need feet to do such a thing, and such things. It is a good thing to have feet.

However, we must watch where we place them in order to walk safely, soundly, and securely. The thing is true in God things as well. As a matter of fact; for the Christian everything we do ought to be done with the thought of “Will this glorify the Lord?” and if it does not; it is not worth doing. Watch your feet when you go to the house of God. Be careful where you step, so that you do not harm your testimony; and so that you do not profane the name of our God.

Saul, the first king of Israel did not keep his foot. He boasted of his faith when he offered a sacrifice in disobedience to Samuel (1 Samuel 15 note verse 22). Sacrifice without obedience is blasphemy, and is sin. God has no pleasure in those who do all the right things for the wrong reasons.

The mouth is a thing often affected by the way the feet move, and where they go. To go to the house of God we should be silent when we are being taught, except in participating in discussion of the lesson, and on track.

God is not well pleased by sacrifices done in the wrong motive, nor words spoken that are contrary to one’s life (Isaiah 1:10-15). Any words we speak in the place of worship should be toward God; admiring, adoring, and worshipping Him. Otherwise they should be few.

As a Christian we need to realize that our bodies are the temple of the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20); therefore we are to walk with Him wherever we go; whatever we do; to glorify Him; and

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

We all need the fellowship of others; to encourage others in the faith; and for ourselves to hear from others and be encouraged, and strengthened in the faith.

Sunrises and Sunsets

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“The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.” Ecclesiastes 1:5-7 (KJV)

Since the beginning of time on earth the sun has never failed to rise in the east, neither has it ever failed to set in the west. At least that is the terms men have used for millennials of time.

I have been on this earth for a short 22,217 days; and everyday the sun has risen and set. I have missed a few of those; at least in seeing them. Some days have been clouded over, but I have known that the sun did rise, and it did set. I love sunrises. For the past 15 years or so I have been up in the morning early enough to witness all of them. Maybe missing a few days sleeping in. Everyday the sun rises and sets it is a reminder that God’s Word is true.

Notice Solomon’s words of the wind; going south, then north, and whirling about. Wind can be ferocious and fearful. On May 22, 2011 much of the city of Joplin, Missouri was destroyed by a tornado. Our son and his wife lost their home in that storm. Thankfully they, nor their dogs had a scratch on them, even though they were in the house when the tornado hit.

Winds can be refreshing. Winds can be wild, twisting masses of terror. Winds can be a short gust which makes you wonder, “Where did that come from?”, and then nothing. Jesus said of the wind,

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

One evening (July 20, 2015) I was mowing our front yard.  When I started the temperature was 100 degrees. I was about to take one last break from the heat; had pulled the mower into the shade on the east side of the house, when I looked and saw clouds moving in, then thunder and lightening. That is when I decided I better just go ahead and finish the mowing. I finished the mowing, got the mower into the shed, shut it off, and the rain began. Wow! Could not have planned it better myself.

The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and the rain was pouring from the skies filled with lightening and thunder. God is so wonderful. His Son is so glorious. He is so worthy of our worship and praise.

All these things of God’s created order are reminders of God’s care. God’s care of His creation; His people, His world. Just as the order God gives this earth, and the Universe is sure; His love for you and me is sure. He loves us so much He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place for our sins.

He is sure. He is stedfast. He is faithful to do all that He has said He would do. Believe Him.  Trust Him.

Tongues of Hatred

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“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” Proverbs 26:28 (KJV)

There is much said about “Hate speech” in today’s culture here in the United States of America. “Hate speech” seems to be a code term used to try and convince people that if you do not agree with someone then you are accused of using “hate speech” as a way of silencing you.

This proverb is the truth. I wrote yesterday of the worth of truth, and today of a lying tongue. The individual; the man, the woman, the boy or girl who speaks continual lies is a hater; using hate speech to further their own ends.

The lying tongue hates those whom they are lying to. They especially hate those who are brave, bold, courageous, and loving enough to confront them about their lies.

On the matter of the “Flattering mouth” we have probably all been guilty of flattery of some kind. Flattery is sometimes used to be kind. It is often used to try and obtain from another something we want.

Flattering mouths work ruin; first for the individual speaking it; then, also the one to whom they are speaking it.

We must remember the tongue is a powerful instrument. It holds the power of life and death.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

We would all be better to love one another; speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), than to lie. We may offend some with the truth, but we cannot truly be accused of hate speech speaking the truth. Truth gives life. Life comes to us from God the Father sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us sins, His burial, and His bodily resurrection.

Believe Him. He is the truth.

The Secret of the Righteous

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but His secret is with the righteous.” Proverbs 3:31-32 (KJV)

To regret living a life of good, and righteousness, due to the ill gotten, illegally gotten wealth of the “oppressor”, the “froward” or perverse individual is a shame in itself.

Imagine, if you will, a man who has done good all his life, loved his family, cherished his wife, then one day he decides that the guy down the street who lives in a mansion; and has gotten his wealth by evil deeds is worth asking to include him in his business. Envy can ruin good, sensible people.

Envy is not a good thing. Jealousy of the wealth, and material goods of others is not good. It is also not a good thing to base one’s view of right and wrong upon what has been approved by others.

The world is telling us that there are many things which are “Right”, which have been “Wrong” for millenniums, centuries, and decades. Judges and laws do not determine what is right and what is wrong.  It has been determined by the mind and heart of Him who is Holy, Righteous, Just and full of Wisdom.  His name is YWWH, and His Son is Jesus who will Judge the world (John 5:22).

People need to wake up to the fact that the enemy is stealing the minds, and heart of the people who will not stand against him.  Christian.  You need to stand.  You are being watched.  Be Christ like [a light] in this dark world.

Christian brother and sister; convictions do not change which have been based on God, and His Word just because a court makes a ruling, or the opinion of the masses change.

Notice the words of the above verses: “the froward [perverse] is an abomination to the LORD”. It is the righteous who have the “secret of the LORD” with them. The righteous are those whom God has made righteous through the shed blood of Jesus Christ Son of God, and God the Son.

Listen to Wisdom

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (KJV)

From verse 20 or Proverbs 1 through verse 33 Wisdom is personified, and is speaking to the reader. We can learn much by listening to the words of Wisdom.

When God’s wisdom is rejected, knowledge is rejected (v. 22), thus all kinds of foolish endeavors are awakened in the wicked minds of men.

When God’s wisdom is rejected, the call of wisdom is rejected, and so wise counsel is also rejected leading to the laughter of wisdom at the vain endeavors of the wicked minds, and the calamity to which that foolishness leads (vv. 23-26).

When God’s wisdom is rejected, fear comes as desolation with destruction; there is a call to wisdom, but she does not hear. Why will she not hear? Because they have hated knowledge, and “did not choose the fear of the LORD” (vv. 27-32).

Those who have chosen knowledge (ie. godly wisdom and knowledge learned from God’s Spirit, His Word, and believing Him) will be safe. They will also be quiet from fear. With all that is going on in today’s world; the wisdom of God being rejected; O child of God can you not see that the judgment of God is about to fall on this wicked world.

Reject the foolish wisdom of the world, and choose what God says. Choose His wisdom, His Word, His way. Choose to follow the One who died on the cross for your sins; and live for Him.

Important Things In Life

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“I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 (KJV)

Just a quick commentary here.

Solomon, considered to be the wisest of men of the earth.  Called the wisest of men by God’s own word found out what was really important.  He had great wealth.  His worth was most likely beyond that of Gates or the Waltons.  However, he looked for the meaning to life in things, and found only vanity and vexation of spirit (emptiness).

When we go through life looking for its meaning and purpose through getting knowledge, wisdom or things; when our lives draw near their end we will still be searching and empty.  There is only fulfillment in life when we realize that it is found in the life, death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.  When we see Him as the Son of God, and God the Son sent to be the payment for our own sins, and the sins of the world, then, will there be fulfillment, peace, and joy.  With that comes eternal life.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will find your life, and the IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE.