Category: Bible

Life and Health

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Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh. 

‘Attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.’ Again the repetitive warning (4:1, 20; 5:1; 7:24) to obey godly instruction and reproof.

‘For they are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh.’ Four secrets of health and eternal life: Attend to my words (4:20). Incline your ears to my sayings. Constantly look into God’s Word (Ps. 1:2-3; Jas. 1:21-27; 2Tim. 3:16). Keep the Word in the heart (4:21; Rom. 1:16; 10:17). These secrets are life and health to all who find and obey them (Ps. 91:1-16; 107:20; John 15:7; Rom. 1:16).

‘Health [Hebrew: marpe’] Translated as “health” (4:22; 12:18; 13:17; 16:24; Jer. 8:15); as “healing” (Jer. 14:19; Mal. 4:2); “cure” (Jer. 33:6); “remedy” (2Chr. 36:16; Pro. 6:15; 29:1); “sound” (14:30); and “wholesome” (15:4). That physical health and healing are referred to is clear in all these passages. Here, it states “health to all their flesh,” not spirit. When Christians awake to their full rights in the gospel they can have a healthy body as well as soul (3Jn. 1:2; 1Pet. 2:24; Matt. 8:16-17; Jas. 5:14-16).

Shining Light… Darkness

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Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. 

‘But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day.’ This is the 4th prophecy in Proverbs (4:18) being fulfilled.

‘The path of the just.’ Proverbs 4:14-17, verse 19 shows the gloomy, dark, and violent path of the unjust. In verse 18 the bright and luminous path of the just is revealed. This verse is proof that at death the righteous one does not go into a dormant, unconscious state until the resurrection, but his path gets brighter and brighter until he emerges into the full blaze of endless glory (Col. 3:4). Even the wicked continue in consciousness after death (Luke 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9).

Five examples of increasing light to people: Jacob (Gen. 32:24-32; 49:10, 18); Nathaniel (John 1:46-51); Eunuch (Acts 8:27-39); Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48); All Christians (Acts 26:18).

‘The way of the wicked is as darkness.’ Sinners have no way of seeing what lies ahead in their everyday life, except in some small way by their own experience, but they don’t have the light of God (6:23; Ps. 119:105 – His Word) to guide them on their ways and show them the stumbling blocks and they mostly don’t take others advice kindly (9:7-9). Five examples of darkness in the way of the wicked: Korah (Num. 16:16-19); Ahab (1Kin. 16:31); Babylon (Isa. 47:11); Jews (Jer. 5:19, 25; 44:15-23); Gentile world (Rom. 1:21-32).

Enter Not… Avoid It, Pass Not By It

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Proverbs 4:14-17 Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 

‘Enter not into the path of the wicked.’ Do not follow others in their wicked ways, hence the warning about having worldly friendships (1Jn. 2:15-17) and to be in friendship or partnerships with those who do not obey God’s Word in every area of their lives (Ps. 1:1; Jer. 17:5-6; 1Cor. 5:11-13; 2Cor. 6:14-18; 2Jn. 1:9-11).

Three examples of avoiding wicked paths: are the Rechabites (Jer. 35:1-19); Joseph (Gen. 39:7-23); and Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16). Three examples of entering wicked paths: Lot (Gen. 13:10-13); Solomon (1Kin. 11:1-8); and Jehoshaphat (2Chr. 18:1; 21:6).

‘Avoid it’ – a warning not to walk in sin [live in sin], the Word warns us to stay away from sin, no one has an excuse for living in sin whatsoever.

‘For they sleep not, except they have done mischief.’ The wicked will not rest if they can not fulfil their wicked calling, thus should we exercise the consecration laws and stay away from them otherwise we will carry the consequences of their sins (Ps. 1:1; 6:8; 26:4-5; Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 2Cor. 6:14 – 7:1; 2Tim. 3:2-5; 2Jn. 1:9-11; etc.).

Preserve Thee

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Proverbs 4:6-13 Forsake her not [wisdom], 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 do 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 go, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou run, thou shall not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 

‘Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee…’ Commanded to preserve God’s Word in our hearts in Proverbs: Retain it (4:4); obey it (3:1; 4:4); study it to get wisdom and understanding and to be happy (3:13, 18; 4:5, 7, 13); do not forget or decline it (3:1, 21; 4:5); do not forsake it, for it shall preserve you (4:2, 6); love it, and it shall keep you (4:6); exalt it and it shall promote you (4:8); embrace it and it shall bring you honour (3:4, 16; 4:8); it shall be an ornament of grace and bring you a crown of glory, as it delivers you (4:9); it will extend your life (3:2, 16; 4:10); you will be lead on the right paths without stumbling (3:6, 23; 4:11-12) and she will give you eternal life (4:13).

Get Wisdom

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Proverbs 4:5  Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 

‘Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.’ This is a Biblical command to obey God’s Word that will give us wisdom and understanding and we must never depart from His truth.

‘Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.’ In preserving and loving God’s Word, the enemy will not be able to steal these Truths from our hearts as described by the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3-9, explained in verses 18-23). We cannot create our own beliefs concerning His Word and ‘cherry-pick’ only that which is acceptable, we must take into account in context which commands were given to whom and when He is talking to Israel as a nation or to Christians. Anything relating to our behaviour and sin, whether Old or New Testament, is still applicable, but things about the Jews (Israel) and the law of Moses with regards to governing Israel, her sabbaths and feasts and rituals have all been fulfilled in the ascension of Jesus Christ as we see in the book written to the Galatians.

Good Doctrine – Part 2

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Proverbs 4:2-4 For I give you good doctrine, forsake you 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.

There are conditions given for eternal life: Come to Christ as your Saviour and Redeemer (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Partake of the communion – the sacrament we were commanded to follow to remind us of the work done on the cross – no festivals which are all idol-related and are all done in His name but not with pure intent (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58; Matt. 15:8-9). Labour for eternal things (John 6:27). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Know God and Christ by studying His Word (John 17:2-3; Rom. 10:17; Php. 1:9). Enter by the right gate – choose the narrow way, which is lonely but walked always in righteousness (Matt. 7:13-14). Do not be a stumbling stone for others by offending them – God alone can change others, we cannot and by trying to do it, we try to do the Holy Spirit’s work for Him and cause that others will never believe (Matt. 18:8-9). Obey the Word of God – do not add to it or take away from it to suit your preferences or manipulate others (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all – no family member, spouse, loved one or friend is worth your soul – obey God, not people (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14; 1John 3). Continue in well-doing [expected from God, not please others] and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit – do all things for His glory, not your own benefit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it – the fighting means to hold on to God’s truths not men’s teachings of His Word – and it is not a fight with others but one with the enemy to stay on the narrow path and believe only Biblical truths and not deceiving spirits who work through men and their own ministries (1Tim. 4:1; 6:12, 19-20; 2Tim. 4:3-4). Be sober [0% of any alcohol and/or substances] and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations and do not sin (Jas. 1:12-16). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody – treat everyone the same without allowing any defilement or worldly friendships or partnerships (1Jn. 2:15-17; 3:14-15; 2Cor. 6:14 – 1Cor 7:1). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24; Ps. 91:1-2). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel, not other people’s versions of the truth (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

Good Doctrine – Part 1

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Proverbs 4:2-4 For I give you good doctrine, forsake you 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. 

‘Good doctrine, forsake you not my law.’ Referring to the teachings Salomon received from his father, David who followed God’s laws, instructions and commands.

‘I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.’ Salomon acknowledges Dawid and Bathsheba as his parents from whom he has learned God’s doctrines.

‘He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments.’ Dawid taught me, Solomon, in the ways of the Lord (Psalms 19 and 119) and what we are commanded by Him.

‘Live’ – That is, to have eternal life. The Greek word aionios means everlasting, unknown time, time out of mind, eternity. The same word is translated as “eternal” in John 3:15. The life itself is eternal. Man’s possession of it does not change its nature or existence. It is eternal whether man ever gets it or not. It is still eternal whether man loses it or not. It is like an eternal diamond or anything else eternal. It always remains eternal, and is only in Jesus Christ. Eternal life in Jesus Christ is the great truth of which the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the water, and the blood bear testimony (1Jn. 5:11-12). Eternal life is only in Jesus. All who are in Him have this eternal life and all out of Him do not have it.

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet Scriptural conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

Attend to Know Understanding Part 2

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Proverbs 4:1 Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 

‘The instruction of a father.’ The specific father referred to here was David – a godly man. He was the author of many psalms as well as co-author of 1 & 2 Samuel and a harpist and singer of Israel (2Sam. 23:1). The Lord saw in him a man after His own heart in his love for God and in repenting when corrected (1Sam. 13:14; 16:7). He became a mighty man of valour (1Sam. 16:18). David was a type of Christ who was to be a priest-king (Zech. 6:12-13). He had the true qualities of a king (1Chr. 11:1-3; 2Sam. 5:1-5) and was always the standard by which other kings were judged (1Kin. 3:14; 11:6, 33, 38; 14:8; 15:3, 6; 2Kin. 16:2; 18:3; 22:2; 2Chr. 7:17; 28:1; 29:2; 34:2). When he sinned, he was dealt with accordingly, he was faultless where idolatry was concerned. He was practically blameless, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite and numbering Israel (2Samuel 11-12; 24:1-25).

‘Attend to know understanding.’ Pay attention to understand what you are instructed in. People can pay attention to all kinds of social media, literature or conversations, but when their lives depend on it, they cannot seem to want to make the same effort. We can understand God’s Word when we read it frequently, every day (Jos. 1:8), not for controversy, but for profit (Pro. 3:1-35; 2Tim. 3:16-17) and meditatively (Ps. 1:3) and through, and over and over again (Matt. 5:18). We must learn to love it (Ps. 119:97-104), and read it with the consciousness of need (Matt. 5:6; John 7:37-39; 2Pet. 1:1-10; 3:18), in faith (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6), in obedience (Rom. 1:5; 16:26), searchingly (John 5:39) and have an openness to all of it (2Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; Jude 1:3). To understand it we must compare scripture with scripture (2Cor. 2:13) and read in the Spirit (John 14:16-17; 15:26; Gal. 5:16, 26). The Holy Spirit is the one who will remind us of every Word of Christ (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11) and as we read and study it, He can make us understand and interpret it (2Pet. 1:21).

Attend to Know Understanding Part 1

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Proverbs 4:1 Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 

‘Hear’ – the command to listen and obey the words given in Proverbs – the same command is given in Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23: 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35 and Revelation 2:2, 11, 17; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9.

‘You children’ – To be a child of God and have the authority to call Him Father, one must be born again of the Holy Spirit and be adopted into His family (John 3:3-5; Rom. 8:14-16). Sinners are not children of God. Ephesians 5:1 declares that we should be followers of God, as dear children; thus were followers called children. The Greek word mimetes means imitators; to mimic the gait, speech, accent, and manner of life of another. It means here to imitate God as children do their parents – imitate His acts, words, nature, ways, graces, and Spirit. We are called to be followers of that which is good (1Pet. 3:13), followers of God (Eph. 5:1) and to follow Christ’s example (1Pet. 2:21), but those who do not choose or stand in rebellion against God become followers of satan (1Tim. 5:15).

In Scripture, we have plenty of examples where children refer to followers: children of the Highest (Luk. 6:35); children of God (Luk. 20:36; Rom. 8:21; 1Jn. 3:10, 5:2); children of light and the day (Eph. 5:8-9; Col. 1:12; 1Thess. 5:4-5); and children of the resurrection (Luk 20:36).

In contrast to good, we have the rebels who are the followers of evil called the children of wrath (John 8:44; Rom. 5:12-21; Eph. 2:3; 5:6; Ps. 51:5); children of disobedience (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 4:22-24; 5:6; Col. 3:6, 9; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18); children of the wicked one and the devil (Matt. 13:38; Acts 13:10; 1Jn. 3:10); and children of pride (Job 41:34).

Hebrews and Greeks called anyone who had a particular destiny, quality, or trait, the child of that thing, as “children of the kingdom” (Matt. 8:12; 13:38); “of the bridechamber” (Matt. 9:15); “of hell” (Matt. 23:15); “of wrath” (Eph. 2:3); “of wisdom” (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:35); etc.

The Curse of the LORD

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Proverbs 3:33-35 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesses the habitation of the just. Surely he scorns the scorners: but he gives grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. 

‘Curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked.’ Three examples of a curse on the wicked: Baasha (1Kin. 16:1-13); Jehoiakim (Jer. 22:13-19); Coniah (Jechoniah, Jer. 22:24-28).

‘Blesses the habitation of the just.’ Three examples of a blessing on the just: Abraham (Heb. 11:12); Jacob (Gen. 30:27); and Joseph (Gen. 39:2, 21).

‘He scorns the scorners: but he gives grace unto the lowly.’ Quoted in James 4:6 and 1Peter 5:5. Lowly means to be humble – “humility” (1Pet. 5:5; Col. 2:18, 23); “humility of mind” (Acts 20:19); “humbleness of mind” (Col. 3:12); “lowliness” (Eph. 4:2); and “lowliness of mind” (Php. 2:3). Humility is the secret to the following things: The glory of the creature (Rev. 4:11; Luke 17:10). Redemption (Php. 2:5-8). Riches and honour (15:33; 22:4; Matt. 5:3). Fellowship (Isa. 57:15; 66:2). Soul rest (Matt. 11:29). Personal salvation (Matt. 18:3; Luke 18:1-43). Greatness (Matt. 20:26-27; Luke 22:26). Exaltation (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11). Revelation (Matt. 11:25; Luke 10:21). Unity (Eph. 4:1-3; 5:21; 1Pet. 5:5). Victorious Christian living (Rom. 12:10, 16; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Gal. 5:26; Php. 2:1-4; Col. 3:5-14; 1Jn. 4:20; 1Tim. 1:15; Tit. 2:11-14). Faith (Matt. 8:8; 15:28; John 4:50).

Ten examples of humility: Abraham (Gen. 18:27, 32); Jacob (Gen. 32:10-11); Moses (Ex. 4:10; Num. 12:1-16); David (2Sam. 7:18-19; 1Chr. 17:17); Job (Job 42:4-6); Isaiah (Isa. 6:5); The centurion (Matt. 8:8); John the Baptist (John 3:30); Jesus; Paul (Eph. 3:8; 1Tim. 1:15).

‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.’ This is the 3rd prophecy in Proverbs (3:35) and unfulfilled.

‘Shame shall be the promotion of fools.’ Fools pile up disgrace. “Fools” is the Hebrew word keciyl.