Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Honour the LORD with Thy Substance Part 1

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Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 

‘Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.’ Tithing is a Biblical doctrine that must still be adhered to. [1] Before the Law of Moses: It was practised 430 years before the law (Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Heb. 7:1-11). [2] Tithing under the Law of Moses: He commanded it (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:10). It had five purposes: (1) For Levites (Num. 18:21-24); (2) Tithes of tithes for priests (Num. 18:26; Neh. 10:37; 12:44); (3) Tithes of tithes every three years for the poor and the ministers (Deut. 14:27-29; 26:12-14); (4) To supply God’s house (Mal. 3:10); (5) To honour God (Pro. 3:9-10). It was brought: yearly, along with all other offerings for the feast (Deut. 12:6-7; 14:22-26). It belonged to God, not the people who paid them (Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:8). [3] Tithing in the New Testament: Christ taught it (Matt. 23:23; Luk. 11:42; cp. Matt. 5:20 with Luke 18:11-12; see Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7-8). This was teaching for the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 11:11-14; Luke 16:16). Paul Taught It: (1) Condemned sacrilege (Rom. 2:22), or robbing temples (Mal. 3:8-10) and using holy things (Lev. 27:1-34). (2) Teachers to be paid (Gal. 6:6). (3) God ordained the support of ministers (1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 6:17-18). (4) Christians to give as God prospers them (1Cor. 16:2). (5) Melchisedec priesthood is eternal and must be supported by the children of Abraham (Heb. 6:20; 7:1-11, 17, 21). (6) Children of Abraham in faith must walk in his steps (Rom. 4:12; Heb. 7:1-28). (7) Tithing is proof of obedience and appreciation of God’s blessings (Rom. 4:12; Heb. 7:6-10; 1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 6:17-18; cp. Mal. 3:8-10; Pro. 3:9-10; Gen. 14:20; Deut. 8:10-20).

To be continued…

Trust In The LORD

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Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

‘Trust’ [Hebrew: batach] to confide in, to be secure and without fear. Translated as “trust” 103 times.

‘With all thine heart.’ Seven examples of heart trust: Abraham (Gen. 24:1-8); Eleazar (Gen. 24:12-27); Jephthah (Jdg. 11:11); David (1Sam. 30:6-8); Asa (2Chr. 14:9-15); Hezekiah (2Kin. 18:4-7; 19:14-37); Nehemiah (Neh. 1:4-11; 2:4-8).

‘Understanding’ [Hebrew: biynah] discernment and discrimination. Translated as understanding (1:2; 3:5; 4:1-7; 7:4; 8:14; 9:6, 10; 16:16; 23:23; 30:2); wisdom (23:4); and knowledge (2:3).

‘In all thy ways acknowledge him.’ Begin, continue, and end every work, purpose, and plan with God. Self-sufficiency and self-confidence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall. Man’s sin has been to live independently of God. True religion consists of full acknowledgement of God in all human affairs and all our day-to-day plans and activities (3:5).

‘Direct’ [Hebrew: Yashar] rightly divides. It is the same idea as rightly dividing the word of truth (2Tim. 2:15).

‘Be not wise in thine own eyes.’ Quoted in Romans 11:25 and 12:16. To reject God’s Wisdom and understanding and listen to your own ideas and opinions lead to your own destruction and downfall. Four men who were wise in their own eyes: Ahab (1Kin. 22:30-35); Jeroboam (1Kin. 12:26-33; 13:33); Asa (1Kin. 15:19); Benhadad (1Kin. 20:10-11).

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yare’] to revere (24:21; Eccl. 3:14; 5:7; 12:13).

‘Depart from evil.’ Shun, avoid, abstain from.  1Thessalonians 5:22 warns us to abstain from all appearance of evil, not only from all evil. 

‘Health to thy navel’ – Just like the umbilical cord (referred to here as the “navel”) is how the child receives life and nourishment from the mother while it is in the womb, so fearing God and departing from evil gives life to a child of God (3:7-8).

‘Marrow to thy bones’ – Bone marrow produces vital red blood cells which help sustain life. Fearing God and departing from evil is just as vital to one’s spiritual life as bone marrow is to the physical life.

Keep My Commandments

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Proverbs 3:1-4 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shall thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 

‘Keep’ [Hebrew: natsar] to watch or guard. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts above all, from going astray, for out of it are the issues of life. The reference is not only to the arteries which carry the blood to all parts of the body but also to the evil and good deeds that come from the heart (centre) of man (Mark 7:19-21).

‘For length of days, and long life, and peace.’ Threefold blessing to those who remember and keep the commandments (3:1-2): Length of days (3:2, 16; 4:10; 9:11). Long life (1Pet. 3:10-11). Peace (Isa. 26:3).

‘They add to thee.’ The law and commandments add these.

‘Mercy’ – lovingkindness or grace.

‘Bind them about thy neck.’ Like the phylacteries (6:21; 7:3).

‘Write them upon the table of thine heart.’ This is done by the Spirit of the living God (2Cor. 3:3).

‘So shall thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.’ The three acts of Proverbs 3:3 are the secrets of favour with God and man.

The Wicked Shall Be Cut Off

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Proverbs 2:18-22 For her house inclines unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou may walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. 

‘Dead’ [Hebrew: rapha’] Rephaim, translated as dead (Isa. 14:9; 26:19; Job 26:5; Ps. 88:10-11; Pro. 2:18; 9:18; 21:16); deceased (Isa. 26:14); giants (Deut. 2:11, 20; 3:11, 13; Jos. 12:4; 13:12; 15:8; 17:15; 18:16; 2Sam. 21:16-22; 1Chr. 20:4-8); and Rephaim (Isa. 17:5; Gen. 14:5; 15:20; 2Sam. 5:18, 22; 23:13; 1Chr. 11:15; 14:9). In the eight places where it is translated dead and deceased it should have been retained as a proper name – Rephaim, as follows: Rephaim under the waters (Job 26:5). Shall the Rephaim arise and praise You (Ps. 88:10-11)? Her paths unto the Rephaim (2:18). The Rephaim are there (9:18). Congregation to the Rephaim (21:16). It stirred up the Rephaim for you (Isa. 14:9). They are Rephaim (Isa. 26:14). The earth shall cast out the Rephaim (Isa. 26:19).

The Rephaim were the other lords of Isaiah 26:13; they shall not rise because God visited and destroyed them (Isa. 26:14). This teaches that the giants or Rephaim have no resurrection like the dead of Israel referred to in Isaiah 26:19. They were the offspring of fallen angels, not ordinary men who do have a resurrection.

‘None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.’ Despite how strong this verse is, anyone can easily be saved by God who follows the gospel program which gives hope for all (Matt. 12:31-32; Heb. 7:25; 1Jn. 1:9).

‘For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.’ The 2nd prophecy in Proverbs (2:21-22) is unfulfilled These blessings (2:20-22) are for heeding the Eight Ifs of Blessing.

To Deliver Thee

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Proverbs 2:11-17 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flatters with her words; Which forsook the guide of her youth, and forgotten the covenant of her God. 

‘Deliver thee from the way of the evil man.’ To pluck or rescue from the evil man. Seven sins of the evil man: He speaks perverse things, civil or religious (2:12). He leaves the path of righteousness (2:13). He walks in the ways of darkness. He rejoices to do evil (2:14). He delights in the sins of others. He walks in crooked ways (2:15). He walks in perverse paths.

‘Froward’ [Hebrew: tahpukah] perverse. Translated as “froward” (2:12; 8:13; 10:31; 16:28, 30; Deut. 32:20); “frowardness” (2:14; 6:14; 10:32); and “perverse” (23:33).

‘Deliver’ [Hebrew: natsal] (to snatch or rescue.

‘Strange’ [Hebrew: zuwr] apostate to a foreign religion of which prostitution was a part to make converts. Such religions were always a snare to Israel (Num. 25:1-18). Seven sins of the prostitute: She flatters with her lips (2:16). She forsakes parental guidance (2:17). She forgets God’s covenant – renounces true religion or marriage vows. She shortens her life (2:18). She leads others to hell. She destroys men utterly (2:19). She leads to permanent ruin.

‘Stranger’ [Hebrew: nokriy] foreign woman; not of Abraham’s line (Gen. 17:12).

The LORD Gives Wisdom

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Proverbs 2:5-10 Then shall thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He laid up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints. Then shall thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entered into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul

‘Then shall thou understand the fear of the LORD.’ “Then” indicates a first conclusion (second in Pro. 2:9).

‘Gives wisdom’ – Five examples of getting wisdom: Joseph (Gen. 41:38-39); Moses (Ex. 4:12); Solomon (1Kin. 3:12; 4:29); Daniel (Dan. 1:17; 2:23); and Stephen (Acts 6:5, 10).

‘Preserves the way of his saints.’ Five examples of preserving saints: Noah (Genesis 6-8); Lot (Gen. 19:1-38); Joseph (Genesis 37-41); David (1 Samuel 18:8-26:25); and Peter (Acts 12:1-25).

‘Then shall thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.’ “Then” indicates a second conclusion (first in Pro. 2:5).

‘Righteousness’ [Hebrew: tsedeq] righteousness, justice (1:3; 2:9; 8:15; Job 8:3; Ps. 89:14; etc.).

‘Judgment’ [Hebrew: mishpat] verdict; sentence; decree. Translated as “judgment” 296 times (Ex. 21:31; 23:2, 6; etc.).

‘Equity’ [Hebrew: meyshar] evenness. Translated as “equity” (1:3; 2:9; Ps. 98:9; 99:4) and “equal” (17:2).

‘Wisdom entered into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul.’ These verses contain the secret for deliverance from the way of the evil man (2:12-15); the strange woman (2:16-19) and every evil way (2:20-22).

If Thou Will Receive My Words

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Proverbs 2:1-4 My son, if thou will 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 cried after knowledge, and lifted up thy voice for understanding; If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures

‘If thou will receive my words.’ Eight Ifs of Blessing: If you receive My words (2:1). If you hide (as a treasure) My commandments. If you incline your ear to wisdom (2:2). If you apply your heart to understanding. If you cry after knowledge (2:3). If you lift your voice for understanding. If you seek for knowledge as for silver (2:4). If you search for knowledge as for hidden treasure.

Eight blessings of obedience – first conclusion: Then you will understand the fear of the Lord (2:5). Then you will find the knowledge of God. Then you will receive wisdom from God (2:6). Then you will receive knowledge from God. Then you will receive understanding from God. Then you will receive protection from God (2:7). Then you will have security in God (2:8). Then you will have preservation in life.

Eight blessings of obedience – second conclusion: Then you will understand righteousness (2:9). Then you will understand judgment. Then you will understand equity. Then you will understand every good path. Then wisdom will enter your heart (2:10). Then knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Then discretion will preserve you (2:11). Then understanding will keep you.

They Eat of the Fruit of Their Own Way

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Proverbs 1:28-33 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkened unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. 

‘They eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.’ Five examples of sowing and reaping: Cain (Gen. 4:3-15). Israel (Num. 11:4-6; Ps. 106:13-14). Saul (1Sam. 15:1-35; 1Chr. 10:13). Haman (Esther 5:1-7:10). Judas (Matt. 26:24; Acts 1:20-25).

‘For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.’ Five examples of destruction: Israel (Deut. 32:15-25; Hos. 13:6-8). Babylon (Isa. 47:7-9). Moab (Jer. 48:11-15). Sodom (Gen. 19:1-38; Ezek. 16:49). Tyre (Ezek. 28:2-7).

‘But whoso hearkened unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.’ Twofold end of the righteous: He shall dwell safely. He shall be quiet from fear of evil.

‘Dwell safely’ – Five examples of dwelling safely: Noah and family (Genesis 6-8). Three Hebrew children (Dan. 3:1-30). Daniel (Dan. 6:1-28). Christ’s sheep (John 10:28-29). David (Ps. 23:1-6).

You Have Set At Nought All My Counsel

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Proverbs 1:23-27 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But you 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 comes; When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you. 

‘Because I have called, and you refused.’ Twelve reasons for being damned: Refusal of wisdom’s call (1:24). Disregard her invitation. Setting at nought her counsel (1:25). Rejection of her reproof. Hatred of her knowledge (1:29). Refusal of fear of the Lord. Rejection of wisdom’s counsel (1:30). Despising her reproof. Reaping fruit of own way (1:31). Being filled with own schemes. Turning away or backsliding (1:32). Being satisfied with prosperity.

Wisdom is personified here indicating that every man is endowed with natural faculties to know right from wrong and to make godly decisions (John 1:9; Rom. 2:12-16). It is man’s own God-given wisdom which will laugh and mock at the calamity he brings upon himself through folly and rejection of her pleading. See Psalms 1:1-6.

‘I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes.’ Tenfold end of the wicked: His calamity laughed at (1:26). His terror mocked. Fear and desolation a reality (1:27). Destruction will be like a whirlwind. Distress coming upon him. Anguish seizing him. Not being heard when praying to God in punishment (1:28). Seeking God when it will be too late to find Him. Reaping what has been sown (1:31). Being required to be satisfied with own plans.

Wisdom Cried

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Proverbs 1:20-22 Wisdom cried without; she uttered her voice in the streets: She cried in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttered her words, saying, How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: chokmowth] (the plural of Chokmah) is wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, skill. Translated as “wisdom” 145 times (1:2, 7; 2:2, 6, 10; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7, 11; 5:1; 7:4; 8:1, 11-12; 9:10; 10:13, 23, 31; 11:2; 13:10; 14:6, 8, 33; 15:33; 16:16; 17:16; 24; 18:4; 21:30; 23:23; 24:3, 24:14; 28:26; 29:3, 15; 30:3; 31:26; Ex. 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26; 31, 35; 36:1-2; Ps. 37:30; 51:6; 90:12; 104:24; 111:10; Eccl. 1:13-18; 2:3-26; 7:11-25; 8:1, 16;). It is the predominant word for wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

‘Cried without’ – Five places wisdom preaches: in open places, streets, mobs, gates, and cities (1:20-21).

‘Concourse’ [Hebrew: hamah] to be in great commotion or tumult; mob; uproar.

‘How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? …’ This is the 1st prophecy in Proverbs (1:22-33) unfulfilled except in part. Wisdom’s sixfold message: How long will you simple ones love deception and flattery? How long will you scorners continue to scorn wisdom? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Turn at my reproof [Hebrew: shuwb] be converted (Ps. 6:10; 19:7; 51:13; Isa. 1:27). I will pour out my spirit unto you (1:23). I will make known my words to you.

‘You simple ones’ – Three classes Wisdom preaches to the simple ones (1:4); scorners (Ps. 1:1); fools.

‘Simple ones’ – Simple ones love simplicity [Hebrew: pethiy] silly, deceptive, flattering, and enticing talk and conduct; scorners delight in scorning wisdom and fools despise knowledge (1:22; 9:7-9).