Fear

‘The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him.’ The wicked will reap what he has feared (11:27; Isa. 66:4; Gal. 6:7-8). The warning of whatever we fear shall come over us is clear from Job 3:25: “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Christians should never allow any form of fear to enter their thoughts as this will cause them to fall away from God’s grace (2Tim. 1:7; 1Jn. 4:18).

‘But the desire of the righteous shall be granted.’ Four examples of righteous desire granted: Hannah (1Sam. 1:20); Esther (Est. 4:16; 8:15-17); Daniel ( Dan. 2:18-23; 9:1-23; 10:1-21); Simeon (Luke 2:25-30).

To Do Mischief

‘It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding has wisdom.’ Iniquity is as sport to a fool, but a man of understanding hates sin. He that seeks the good of others gains their favour, but he that seeks their harm shall reap it himself (11:27; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7-8). The law of sowing and reaping is unfailing and unchangeable (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 29).

‘To do mischief’ – mischief is the Hebrew word zimmah, wicked thought or device (Ps. 26:10; 119:150; Pro. 10:23). The wicked man continually conceives deceit and mischief, which lead to nothing but vanity (Job 15:35). He that has a stubborn heart finds no good, and he that has a deceitful and unmanageable tongue falls into evil (17:20).

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 4

These blessings are (continues): Answers to all prayers (Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 18:19; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; John 14:12-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Rom. 8:32; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:17; 1Pet. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:20-22; 5:14-15). Answers to prayer according to faith (Matt. 9:29; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Boldness (not ashamed of Christ, Rom. 9:33; 10:11; 1Pet. 2:6). God unchangeable (Rom. 11:29). Rapture of all saints (Luke 21:36; John 14:1-3; 16:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Eph. 5:27; Php. 3:21; Col. 3:4; 1Thess. 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:9-10, 23; 2Thess. 2:7; Jas. 5:7; 1Jn. 3:2). Soul rest (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9). Salvation of Gentiles (Rom. 9:25-26; 11:11-12; 15:21). Salvation of Israel (Rom. 9:27; 11:23-39; Heb. 8:10-12; 17). Final salvation at the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:23-25; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Immortality of body (Luke 20:36; Rom. 2:7; 1Cor. 15:42-54; 2Cor. 5:1-8). Earth as an inheritance (Matt. 5:5). Separation of good and bad (Matt. 13:41-43, 49-50). Exaltation of righteous (Matt. 13:43). Salvation from wrath (Rom. 5:9-10). Justice (Rom. 2:6, 12-16; 8:33; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 4:5; 11:31). Indignation and wrath (Rom. 2:8-9). Rewards according to works (Matt. 16:27; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10). A state of no hunger or thirst (John 4:14; 6:35). God’s vengeance (Rom. 12:19). Restoration of creation (Rom. 8:21; Eph. 1:10, 12; Rev. 21:3-7; 22:3). The resurrection of all people (John 5:28-29; 6:40, 44, 54; 14:19; Acts 24:15; 1Cor. 6:14; 15:20-58; 2Cor. 4:14; Rev. 20:11-15). Manifestation of God (John 14:21). Coming Messiah to reign (Rom. 15:12). Satan’s defeat (Rom. 16:20; cp. Rev. 12:7-12; 20:1-10). God for all people (Rom. 3:29-30).

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 3

These blessings are (continues): All good things (Matt. 7:11). Material blessings (Matt. 19:29; 21:21-22; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30). Great rewards (Matt. 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18; 10:42; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; 14:14; John 4:36; 1Cor. 3:8-15; 15:58; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Heb. 10:35; Jas. 1:25). Blessing for persecution (Matt. 5:11). Exaltation through humility (Matt. 19:30; 20:16; 23:12; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30; 14:11; 18:14; Jas. 4:10; 1Pet. 5:6). The end of law in Christ (Rom. 10:4). Faith (Rom. 10:17; 1Cor. 12:9). Holiness (Rom. 11:16; Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; cp. Heb. 12:14). Atonement (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:19-20; John 1:29; Rom. 3:25; 5:11; Eph. 1:7). Victory (Rom. 5:17; 8:4, 13; 37; 2Cor. 2:14; 1Jn. 5:4). Abundant grace (Rom. 5:20-21). Divine help (Rom. 8:26-27, 31, 34; 14:4; 1Cor. 10:13). A short work of God (Romm. 9:28). Protection by angels (Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:10-11; Heb. 1:14). Sonship (Matt. 5:9, 45; Luke 6:35; John 1:12; Rom. 8:14, 16; Gal. 3:7-9, 26; Heb. 3:6; 1Jn. 3:2, 10). Power to bind and lose (Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 14:12; 20:23). Divine presence now (Matt. 18:20; 20:23) and hereafter (Rev. 7:15; 21:3-7). Unlimited power (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; 17:6; 24:49; John 14:12; Acts 1:8). Love of God (John 14:21). Goodness of God (Rom. 2:4; 11:22). Blessing or cursing (Rom. 13:2-3).

To be continued…

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 2

These blessings are (continues): Physical healing (Matt. 8:18; 9:29; 13:15; 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 4:18; John 10:10; 14:12; Acts 28:27; Rom. 8:11; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24). Justification (Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 2:13; 3:24-28; 4:25; 5:1-2; 8:33; Gal. 2:16; 3:24). Righteousness (Rom. 3:22; 4:5, 16, 24; _5:19; 1Cor. 1:30). Spirit baptism (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:17-21, 38-39; 11:16; Gal. 3:14). Eternal life (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29-30; John 3:15-16, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:27, 47, 50, 58; 8:51; 10:27-29; 20:31; Rom. 2:7; 6:22-23; Tit. 1:2; 1Jn. 2:25; 5:11-12). Life by the Word (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4). Newness of life (Rom. 6:5, 8). A spiritual mind (Rom. 8:6). Impartiality of God (Rom. 2:11). Mercy (Matt. 5:7; Luke 1:50; Jas. 5:11). Comfort (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 2Cor. 1:4, 1:7; 7:6). Greatness (Matt. 5:19; 18:4; Luke 9:48). Inspiration (Matt. 10:19; Luke 12:12). Wisdom (Luke 21:15; Jas. 1:5). Assurance (John 6:37; Php. 1:6; 2Tim. 1:12; 2:11-13; Heb. 6:1-20; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Knowledge (John 7:17; 14:20, 26; 2Cor. 1:1-24; 2:12; 12:8-11). Freedom from condemnation (John 3:16-18; Rom. 8:1; Heb. 9:13-15). Freedom (John 8:32, 36). Word near all people (Rom. 10:8). Light of life (John 8:12). Honour (John 12:26; Rom. 2:8-10). Glory and honour (Rom. 2:10; 8:18). Necessities of life (Matt. 6:30, 33; Luke 11:9-13; 12:31). Providence of God (Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 24, 28; Rom. 8:28-30; 1Pet. 5:7).

To be continued…

The Blessing of the Lord – Part 1

‘Blessing of the LORD, it makes rich.’ Five examples of the Lord making rich: Abraham (Gen. 24:1); Isaac (Gen. 25:11; 26:12); Jacob (Gen. 28:4; 30:27); Solomon (1Kin. 3:13); Job (Job 42:10).

There are 750 promises in the New Testament, but only 250 separate benefits (blessings) because many of the promises are repeated in different books. These blessings are Forgiveness of sins (Matt. 6:14; 12:31; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 5:24; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18; Rom. 3:25; 4:7-8; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1Jn. 1:9; 2:12)Salvation from sin (Matt. 1:21). Salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; 2Thess. 2:13; Tit. 2:11-12). The simplicity of salvation (Rom. 10:9-10; 1Cor. 15:2; 1Jn. 1:9; 2Thess. 2:13). Salvation of the lost (Matt. 18:11; Luke 5:32; John 5:25; 10:9; Rev. 22:17). Filling of righteousness (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21). Conversion upon obedience (Matt. 13:15; Acts 3:19; Jas. 5:19-20). Fruitfulness (John 15:5; 2Pet. 1:8). The Holy Spirit in a measure (John 16:7-13; Rom. 8:14-16) and in all fullness (Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:12-18, 26; 15:26; Acts 1:8; 2:16-21, 38-39; 5:32). Guidance (John 16:13-15). Joy, righteousness, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

To be continued…

The Just vs the Wicked

‘The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.’ What a just man speaks is like silver, but what comes out of the heart of a wicked man is like worthless dross. A gentle tongue speaks truth and life, but a piercing tongue kills the soul (15:4). The circle of human life is continually excited by the tongue unless it is kept sanctified. Evil surmisings, misrepresentations, falsehoods, jealousies, envyings, wrath, and malice, all form part of the destroying flames of fire from the tongue of the ungodly (Jas. 3:6). Salvation alone can help a man control the tongue (2Cor. 5:17-18).

‘Feed many’ – They shepherd or instruct many. Six examples of godly instruction: Job (Job 4:3-4; 29:21-22); David (Ps. 78:70-72); Peter (Acts 4:1-4); Philip (Acts 8:5-8); Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:32-35); Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32-33).

‘Fools die for want of wisdom.’ Three examples of fools dying: are Korah and company (Num. 16:1-50); Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20-25) and the rich fool (Luke 12:16-26).

Refrains His Lips

‘In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.’ It is unusual for one to talk constantly without sinning and defaming someone’s character. The control of the tongue is a show of wisdom.

‘Wants not sin.’ Three examples of sinning by talking too much: Job (Job 32:2; 34:5, 12; 35:16; 42:3); Job’s comforters (Job 32:3; 42:7-8); Idle widows (1Tim. 5:13).

‘Refrains his lips is wise.’ Even a fool is considered a wise one if he knows when and where to speak, and a so-called wise man is considered a fool if he does not know when to hold his tongue (17:28).

Three things about speaking evil: Commands against it (Exo. 22:28; Eph. 4:25-31). Shortens life (Ps. 34:13; 1Pet. 3:9-10). Brings sure judgment (Ps. 12:3-4; Matt. 12:36-37; 1Cor. 6:10).

Three examples of wisdom in speaking: Eleazar (Gen. 24:21; cp. Pro. 15:28); Aaron (Lev. 10:3); Saul (1Sam. 10:27; cp. Pro. 11:12).

Lying and Slander

‘He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.’ A fool hides resentment, plots, and even murder in his heart by lies and pretensions of holding no ill feelings over injuries received. He that slanders is also a fool.

‘Hatred’ enmity (Luke 23:12; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:15-16; Jas. 4:4); hatred (Gal. 5:20). Bitter dislike, abhorrence, malice and ill will against anyone; tendency to hold grudges against or be angry at someone. Hatred seeks an occasion to provoke enmity and delights in brawls (10:12).

‘Lying lips’ One of the six things the LORD hates and that is an abomination unto Him is a lying tongue (6:16-17). A lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it. He that injures another hates him in proportion to the injury he has done him. The one who does the wrong seldom if ever feels kindly toward those he has hurt. The debtor cannot bear the sight of a creditor, nor a robber of those whom he has robbed. Only in Christ is this law broken (26:28).

Two kinds of tongues and destinies (Jas. 3:1-18; 1Pet. 3:10-11). Twelve things about the tongue (Jas. 3:5-14): It is a little member (Jas. 3:5), that boasts great things. It is a fire (Jas. 3:6), a world of iniquity that defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature. It is untameable (Jas. 3:7-8), an unruly evil and full of deadly poison. It is used to bless God and curse men (Jas. 3:9). Capable of good conversation (Jas. 3:13) and capable of bitter strife (Jas. 3:14).

The Way of Life

‘He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof errs.’ The righteous man accumulates knowledge to serve God better, but the wicked refuse correction and instruction. He who heeds advice shall be a companion of the wise (15:31). A rebuke does more good to a wise man than a hundred stripes to a dense or stupid man (17:10) because they hate instruction, and their hearts despise reproof (5:12). 

2Timothy 3:16-17 states that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Those who hate reproof or correction will never be instructed in righteousness, be perfect or thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The Word of God means nothing to them and thus has no purpose or place in their lives.

Three characteristics of the wicked (Isa. 26:10): He will not learn righteousness when favour is given to him. He will deal unjustly with neighbours. He will refuse to recognize God in all His merciful dealings with him.