Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Forsake the Foolish and Live

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 9:5-6 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 

‘Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.’ The invitation of wisdom to eat her bread and drink her wine is a symbol of life through proper wisdom and understanding.  In the New Testament bread and wine symbolize the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, which give life to all who appropriate their benefits by faith (Matt. 26:26-30; 1Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-30).

No justification of using alcoholic beverages can be justified by using any Scripture. The word wine was the common word for the product of the grape (grape juice) and was taken from ‘fruit of the vine’ and fermentation (the process of rot that causes alcohol production) was not always clearly stated. Scripture, however, is clear on being sober (1Thess. 5:6,8; 1Tim. 3:2; Tit. 2:2,4,6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8) and the sin of drunkenness (Pro. 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; Isa. 5:11; Hab. 2:15; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7) that refers to the user and not only the state of the user as most people interprets.

‘Wine which I have mingled.’ Among Jews, Greeks, and Romans, wine was rarely used without mixing with water. Some mixed 3 parts water with 1 of wine, and others 5 to 1. The common mixture was 3 parts water and 2 parts wine.

‘Forsake the foolish, and live.’ Four examples of forsaking things to live: Moses (Heb. 11:24-27); Rahab (Jos. 2:9-13; 6:25; Heb. 11:31); Ruth (Rth. 1:16; 2:11-12); Disciples (Matt. 4:18-22; 9:9; etc.).

Wisdom

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

Proverbs 9:1-4 Wisdom has builded her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars: She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also furnished her table. She has sent forth her maidens: she cries upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wants understanding, she said to him…

‘Wisdom has builded her house.’ The personification of wisdom continues in this chapter. In Proverbs 8:1-36 she was manifested in all of God’s creation. Here she is the ruler of what she has built (9:1-12). In Proverbs 9:1-3 she is building a house, making a banquet, and sending out her maids to invite guests to partake of her bounties. She is pictured here as a builder, sculptress, butcher, and gracious hostess.

‘Sent forth her maidens.’ An Eastern custom. In the New Testament men are sent forth with banquet invitations (Matt. 22:3; Luke 14:17). The complete custom was that invitations were sent out to guests by a company of women, preceded by eunuchs. They went from door to door of the invited, delivering their message.

‘Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither.’ Their message to the simple and those who lack understanding is, to forsake the foolish things of life and live by going in the way of understanding (9:4-6).

‘Simple’ [Hebrew: pethiy] inconsiderate; unwary; artless, guileless, and unsuspecting; those who, through lack of knowledge and experience, act rashly and unwisely (1:22, 32; 7:7; 8:5; 9:4, 16; 14:15, 18; 19:25; 21:11; 22:3; 27:12). Referring to those who are unsaved.

‘Understanding’ [Hebrew: leb] is translated as heart over 500 times in the Old Testament, 76 of which are in Proverbs (2:2, 10; 3:1, 3, 5; etc.). Also translated as understanding (9:4, 16; 6:32; 7:7; 10:13; 12:11; 15:32; 17:18; 24:30); and as wisdom (10:21; 11:12; 15:21; 19:8).

Blessed are They That Keep My Ways

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:32-36 Now therefore hearken unto me, O you children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me love death. 

‘Blessed are thy that keep my ways.’ Happy are they who keep my ways, and whoever finds wisdom obtains favour or grace from the Lord (8:32-35; Ps. 1:1-6). The one who rejects wisdom and sins against her does so to the damnation of his own soul (8:36). It is therefore not so much sin and satan, but the man himself that is responsible for his rejection or reception of wisdom which leads to eternal life. If he receives the teaching of God, sin will not have dominion over him, and if he resists satan, the devil will flee from him (Jas. 4:7; Rom. 6:14-23; 8:12-13).

Seven acts of a righteous man: Delights in the Word of God (Ps. 1:2). Meditates in it day and night (Ps. 2:1-12). Consecrates to obey it (Ps. 1:1). Makes it his rule of life and conduct (Jas. 1:22-27). Makes it his standard of faith and religion (2Tim. 3:16-17). Reads it to gain knowledge and wisdom (Matt. 24:15; Eph. 3:4; Rev. 1:3). Feeds on it to grow spiritually (1Pet. 2:1-3; Rom. 10:17).

‘All they that hate me love death.’ They that hate wisdom love sin which leads to death, so they can be justly accused of loving death, the penalty for sin. We see from John 3:19 the following: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” This refers to when Christ came to the earth for the first time to bring us the gospel and give His life so that we don’t have to keep on living under the joke of sin, but men chose darkness and sin over light and righteousness. That is the problem today still, people are not willing to die to themselves (John 12:24-26; Matt. 10:37-39) and live a life following in His footsteps and the example He came to set for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).

The Foundations of the Earth

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:29-31 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. 

‘When he appointed the foundations of the earth.’ All this refers to the original creation of the heavens and earth long before the six days of Genesis 1:3-2:25. Between this creation and Adam’s day the earth was inhabited by pre-Adamite beings who were ruled by Lucifer for an indefinite period of sinlessness, followed by a long period of rebellion before his defeat and that of the pre-Adamite beings and the angels and demons who took part in his invasion of heaven in the attempt to dethrone God (Isa. 14:12-14; Jer. 4:23-26; Ezek. 28:11-17; Matt. 13:35; Luke 10:18; 2Pet. 3:5-7).

‘Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.’ Wisdom is pictured here as a child who is always near his parent, watching him at work and under his constant care. The passage is a personification of wisdom. These doctrines are plainly expressed in many other scriptures directly on the subject (Isa. 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Col. 1:15-18; Heb. 1:1-8; Rev. 1:8; etc.).

‘Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth.’ Wisdom is especially displayed in the works of God in the affairs of men. God’s providence is over all, and all are subjects of His eternal care.

He Prepared the Heavens

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:25-28 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep

‘Highest part of the dust of the world.’ Before He made the first particle of dust.

‘When he prepared the heavens, I was there.’ This was before the creation of the earth (Gen. 1:1; Job 38:4-7). Genesis 1:1 refers to the creative ages which stretch from the dateless past to the end of the seven days of Genesis 1:3-2:25. This period may be called the dispensation of angels because they ruled on earth (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Col. 1:15-18).

‘Heavens’ There are three heavens (2Cor. 12:2, 4): The clouds above us that were called the firmament and our heaven (Gen. 1:8; Ps. 77:17-18; 104:2-3). The paradise that was moved after Christ’s ascension when He set the captives free (Eph. 4:8-10; Ps. 68:18; Heb. 2:14-15) – this is the place where current believers ‘who die IN Christ’ go to await the rapture (1Thess. 4:13-18). The third heaven which is God’s current dwelling place (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 14:13-14; 66:1; Rev. 21:2, 10)

‘Compass’ – A circle or vault.

‘Fountains of the deep.’ Deep underground water (Gen. 1:2; 7:11; 8:2; 49:25; Deut. 33:13; Ps. 104:6) to supply water sources on earth, it was the source for the floods of Lucifer (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:5-9; 2Pet. 3:6) and of Noah (Genesis 6:8 – 8:14).

Before His Works of Old

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:22-24 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 

‘The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.’ Wisdom is not acquired by God but by men, angels, and other created beings. Wisdom existed before: God’s creations of old (8:22). The creation of the earth (8:23). The depths and fountains of waters (8:24). The mountains and hills (8:25). The earth, fields, and dust of the world (8:26). The heavens and the clouds (8:28). The laws governing creation (8:29).

‘From everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.’ From the beginning of the ages.

‘I was brought forth.’ I was produced or manifested in the plan of God as well as in the creation of all things. By me (wisdom) God made all things (Ps. 104:24; 136:5).

When one stops to consider the infinite details of creation and the plan of eternal sustenance of all things – from the smallest creation to the largest  – he is forced to exclaim the truth of Romans 11:33 which states: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! 

Riches and Honour – Part 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:18-21 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.

‘My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.’ Man sold himself a slave to sin and satan. God paid the price of His redemption. Man is now obligated to meet God’s terms of faith, repentance, and service if He wants to be redeemed. The word is not used here of man actually paying a price in money or goods – exchanging material things for the gold, raiment, and ointment of Revelations 3:18 – but rather of his paying the price of renouncing satan, repenting of sins, and consecrating to God in face of suffering persecution such as Christians must suffer for Christ (Rev. 3:19; 2Tim. 3:12).

‘Gold tried in the fire’ represents true faith (1Pet1:7).

When the atonement of Christ is fully embraced, the sick, sinful, helpless, and needy are restored health, holiness, power, and prosperity, and full dominion over satan and membership and communion in God’s family. The Lord will prosper your work, bless your family, increase your prosperity, and rejoice over you for good (Deut. 30:8-10). Material prosperity is a blessing that is God’s will (Job 36:11; Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16; 2Cor. 9:6-8; Php. 4:19; 3Jn. 1:2) . Universal prosperity will be a reality (Isa. 2:2-4; 35:1-8; 65:20-25; Mic. 4:4-5).

Riches and Honour – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:18-21 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.

Riches in Scripture are considered the cause of much sin and rebellion against God; and, for this cause, there are many warnings to men, especially converted men, to shun all covetousness of such (Deut. 6:10-17; Ps. 52:1-7; 73:1-22; Pro. 23:4-5; 28:20-22; 30:8-9; Jer. 9:23; Ezek. 28:5; Matt. 6:19; Luke 6:24; 12:15-20; 16:13-31; 1Tim. 6:4-19; Jas. 1:9-11; 5:1-3).

Covetousness [the intense lust for gain] is forbidden (Ex. 20:17; Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Hatred of it was one qualification of leaders, civil and religious (Ex. 18:21; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2). It will damn the soul (1Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:3-5; 1Tim. 6:9-11; 2Pet. 2:3, 14). It must be killed out entirely (Col. 3:2-6).

Covetousness breeds: Greed and murder (1:19; Isa. 56:11; Jer. 22:17). Poverty and rebellion (11:24). Oppression and violence (22:16; Jer. 22:17; Mic. 2:2). Denial of God (30:8-9). Injustice (Isa. 1:23; Mic. 7:3). Backsliding (Mic. 3:11). Deceptions (Matt. 13:22). Defilement (Mark 7:21-23). Temptations and lusts (1Tim. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 2:15-17). A short life and a fool’s end (Jer. 17:11; Luke 12:16-21).

Seven sins of wicked rich men: Heaping together treasures on earth (Jas. 5:3; Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:15-21). Defrauding labourers (Jas. 5:4; Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14-15; Jer. 22:13; Mal. 3:5). Living in pleasure at the expense of those defrauded (Jas. 5:5; Matt. 23:14). Living in wantonness or sensual appetites to the uttermost (Jas. 5:5; Rom. 13:13; 1Tim. 5:11; 2Pet. 2:18). Nourishing the heart, or living in luxury and pride (Jas. 5:5). Condemning the just, or perverting the judgment of the poor (Jas. 2:1-10; 5:6). Killing the just to multiply their own riches (Jas. 5:6; 1Kin. 21:1-29).

To be continued…

Riches and Honour – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

Proverbs 8:18-21 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. 

‘Riches and honour’ – Riches, honour, and life depend upon humility and fear of the Lord (22:4). The Word states clearly that both riches and honour come from the Lord (3:16; 1Chr. 29:12), but never if it will lead us away from Him (Matt. 13:22; Luke 12:15-21; 1Tim. 6:17-18).

In Psalms 112:3 we see that God sanctions wealth and riches for the righteous man. How foolish to condemn riches and class rich men as wicked just because of their prosperity. Wealth is a blessing if used as God intended. It was God’s original plan that all men be prosperous and use all things in creation for their own good and God’s glory. It is still God’s purpose, and when the Messiah reigns every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree, which indicates there will be universal peace and prosperity (Isa. 2:2-4; 65:20-25; Mic. 4:1-8).

The ungodly rich, however, permit the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things to choke the Word of God (Mark 4:18-19) thus they cannot keep or understand the Word they receive. The warning against covetousness is clear throughout Scripture and we need to be thankful for a little with righteousness is better than the riches of many wicked (Ps. 37:16). Riches profit not in the day of wrath (11:4).

Ten dangers of coveting riches: Many temptations of the devil (1Tim. 6:9). Many snares of the devil. Many foolish lusts. Many hurtful lusts. Destruction and perdition. The root of evil to grow (1Tim. 6:10). One to err from the faith. Many sorrows. High mindedness (1Tim. 6:17). Wrong trust. 

To be continued…

Seek Me Early

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 8:15-17 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. 

‘I love them that love me.’ Five examples of loving wisdom: Joseph (Gen. 37:2-17; 39:3-9; 41:38); Samuel (1Sam. 2:26; 7:3-17); David (1Sam. 17:37-46); Solomon (1Kin. 3:1-28); Daniel (Dan. 1:1-21; 5:1-31; etc.).

‘Those that seek me early shall find me.’ Youth is the time to seek wisdom and knowledge and take advantage of every life improvement. If young people live carefree and follow all the lusts of their hearts and eyes, they will give an account of it, for one is judged for everything done in life, whether good or bad. The youth were thus advised to remove the things that will eventually cause grief and to put away evil from the flesh so that there will be no pain and remorse in the time to come (Eccl. 11:9-10). In other words, Remember your Creator in the days of youth instead of living in sins that will damn the soul; use youth wisely before old age comes and pleasure is rare (Eccl. 12:1).