Category: Doctrine

Better is…

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. 

‘Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.’ It is better to be poor and righteous than to be rich and wicked.

Seventeen “Better” sayings in Proverbs: Wisdom is better than gold and silver (3:14; 8:19). Wisdom is better than rubies (3:15; 8:11). A person who is despised but lives humbly is better than one who honours himself falsely (12:9). A little with the fear of the Lord is better than great treasure with trouble (15:16). A simple meal with love is better than a rich feast filled with hatred (15:17). A patient person is better than a hot-tempered warrior (16:32). One who controls his spirit is better than one who conquers a city (16:32). A dry morsel with peace is better than a house full of feasting with strife (17:1). A poor person who lives honestly is better than a fool who speaks perversely (19:1). A poor man is better than a liar (19:22). It is better to live alone in a corner of the roof than with a quarrelsome wife in a spacious house (21:9; 25:24). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman (21:19). It is better to be honoured later than to exalt oneself and be humiliated (25:7). Open rebuke is better than hidden love (27:5). A nearby neighbour is better than a distant relative in times of need (27:10). A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6). It is better to live rightly in humility than to enjoy wealth gained through sin.

These comparisons highlight the enduring value of character, wisdom, peace, and godliness over wealth, pride, or outward success.

Be At Peace

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:7  When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

‘When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ God raises up peace for those who serve Him and do His will. Romans 12:18 encourages us to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on us. However, this doesn’t mean we are called to be friends with everyone (1Jn. 2:15-17), nor does it mean we should tolerate sin in our lives or form compromising relationships (2Cor. 6:14-18).

In the spirit of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, for the children of God are known by their love. Where there is strife, we bring gentleness; where there is hurt, we offer forgiveness. Just as Christ reconciled us to God, we too are to pursue reconciliation with one another. Let anger be slow to rise and mercy quick to flow, for peace is the fruit of a heart ruled by the Spirit. Seek not only to avoid conflict, but to be a bridge of grace, showing patience, humility, and kindness in all things.

For in peace, the presence of God dwells richly. And where peace reigns, love abides.

Depart from Evil

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. 

‘By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.’ Through God’s mercy and truth, atonement is made for sin and iniquity is cleansed; and it is by reverent fear of the Lord that people turn away from evil (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).

Fourteen blessings that come from fearing the Lord: It is the beginning and foundation of true wisdom (1:7; 9:10). It influences and ultimately determines one’s eternal destiny (1:29). It leads a person to turn away from evil (3:7; 16:6). It produces a hatred for sin and wrongdoing (8:13). It adds both length and quality to life (10:27). It brings deep, unwavering confidence (14:26). It is a source of spiritual vitality and life (14:27). It brings peace, contentment, and satisfaction (15:16). It is essential for gaining wisdom and instruction (15:33). It leads to a life marked by stability and fulfilment (19:23). It results in true riches, honour, and long life (22:4). It frees the heart from envy and jealousy (23:17). It brings God’s blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). It is closely tied to humility before God (Isa. 2:10-21).

The fear of the Lord is not terror, but a reverent awe that transforms how we live, leading to both spiritual and practical blessings.

Proud in Heart

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 

Proverbs 16:5-7 contains the eleventh prophecy in the book and is continually fulfilled both on earth and in hell. Scripture outlines twenty things that are an abomination to God: The perverse person (Hebrew: luwz) – one who turns aside from righteousness (3:32; 11:20). A proud look (6:16-17) and a lying tongue (6:17; 12:22). Hands that shed innocent blood (6:17). A heart that devises wicked plans (6:18). Feet that are quick to run toward evil. A false witness who tells lies (6:19). One who spreads strife among others.Wickedness in general (8:7). Dishonest scales or measurements (11:1). The sacrifices of the wicked (15:8; 21:27). The path or lifestyle of the wicked (15:9). The thoughts and intentions of the wicked (15:26). Those who are proud in heart (16:5). Those who justify the wicked and condemn the righteous (17:15). Use of unequal weights and measures (20:10, 23). Refusing to listen to God’s law [His Word] (28:9). The prayers of those in rebellion.

These actions and attitudes are abominable in God’s sight and reflect hearts that are far from His truth.

All Things

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD had made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 

‘The LORD had made all things for himself.’ Jesus Christ – the one we now know as the only begotten Son of God – has eternally existed as a co-equal member of the Godhead (Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:8-11). Before taking on the role of the Son, which relates to His humanity rather than His deity, He existed as a spirit being and was actively involved in the divine work of creation. As the agent of God the Father, He brought all things into existence (Isa. 9:6; John 1:3; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:3; Rev. 4:11). Not only did He create everything, but He also sustains and upholds all things by His power (Heb. 1:3).

‘Even the wicked for the day of evil.’ Even the wicked are preserved for the day of judgment, when they will receive just punishment for their deeds (Rom. 1:18; 2:5; 2Pet. 1:9). God did not create people to be evil; wickedness arises from each individual’s choices between good and evil.

Shall Be Established

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. 

‘Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ Take God into partnership, and your plans will succeed.

All holy brethren [true representatives of Christ on earth] are united as partakers, partners, and fellow heirs in a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1). While Israel was given an earthly calling, and those living at the Messiah’s return will enter into God’s earthly plan to replenish the earth forever, both saved Jews and Gentiles who share in the resurrection will become kings and priests, reigning over the earth and all creation for eternity (Rev. 1:5–6; 5:10; 22:4–5). Their calling is heavenly because they will not be confined to an earthly program, as humanity would have been had sin never entered the world (Gen. 1:27-31; cp Matt. 22:30; Luke 20:34-35; Heb. 11:10-16; 12:22-23).

‘Established’ – Five Biblical examples of God-established plans: Jacob – In a moment of deep crisis, Jacob wrestled with God and received both a blessing and direction for his future (Gen. 32:24-30; 46:1-6). His plans were aligned through divine encounter and assurance. David – As he faced Goliath and later pursued the Amalekites, David sought God’s guidance and acted in faith, leading to victory and restoration (1Sam. 17:45; 30:8-19). Ezra – Before leading the exiles back to Jerusalem, Ezra fasted and prayed, committing his journey to the Lord. God established his plans and protected their path (Ezra 8:21-32). Esther – Esther risked her life for her people, seeking God through fasting. Her obedience led to a divine reversal and the preservation of Israel (Est. 4:14-17; 8:15-17). Daniel – Daniel’s steadfast devotion to prayer and God’s law, even in the face of death, resulted in divine favour and the establishment of God’s plan in a foreign kingdom (Dan. 6:10).

These examples remind us that when our plans are committed to the Lord, He establishes them (16:3).

Clean in His Own Eyes

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. 

‘All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits.’ A self-righteous person may see his own ways as pure, but the Lord examines the heart and weighs the true motives of the spirit. As Jeremiah 17:9 declares, the human heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, a sobering truth about our natural condition. The very next verse, Jeremiah 17:10, reminds us that the LORD searches the heart and tests the inner motives, rewarding each individual according to their deeds and behaviour.

‘Clean in his own eyes.’ Many consider themselves righteous in their own eyes, but God sees beyond appearances. Here are three biblical examples of such self-deception: Jehu, who boasted of his zeal but did not fully follow the Lord (2Kin. 10:16, 31). The Pharisee, who trusted in his own righteousness and looked down on others (Luke 18:11-14). Paul, before his conversion, was convinced he was serving God, even while persecuting Christians (Acts 26:9; com. Pro. 9:4).

True righteousness begins not with self-justification, but with humility, repentance, and a heart fully surrendered to God.

The Answer of the Tongue

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 

‘The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.’ God guides the heart of the righteous and inspires the words of their mouth. However, this does not mean that everything a person says is automatically from God, as some wrongly assume. We are still responsible to guard our tongues and ensure that our speech is honourable, uplifting, and pleasing to the Lord.

Scripture gives us clear instructions on how to speak: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,” but only what is good for building others up, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29).  We must not be deceived, bad company and harmful conversations can corrupt good morals (1Cor. 15:33). We are also warned to put away falsehood and speak the truth to one another (Eph. 4:25), for satan is the father of lies (John 8:44; 2Thess. 2:11).

In all things, our speech should reflect the character of Christ – truthful, edifying, and full of grace.

The Fear of the LORD

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. 

‘The fear of the LORD.’ Fourteen blessings of the Fear of the Lord: It is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). It shapes one’s eternal destiny (1:29). It helps a person turn away from evil (3:7; 16:6). It causes hatred of evil (8:13). It prolongs life (10:27). It brings strong confidence (14:26). It is a fountain of life (14:27). It leads to contentment (15:16). It provides instruction in wisdom (15:33). It leads to true life (19:23). It brings riches, honour, and life (22:4). It frees from envy (23:17). It results in blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). It is marked by humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Before honour is humility.’ Five examples of humility before honour: Joseph – Humbled through slavery and prison before being exalted as ruler (Gen. 39:1-41:57). Gideon acknowledged his lowliness before leading Israel to victory (Jud. 6:15). Daniel – Honoured by God after giving Him all the credit (Dan. 2:30-48). Hananiah – Known for his faithfulness and reverence before being entrusted with leadership (Neh. 7:2). Jesus Christ – Humbled Himself completely before being exalted above all (Php. 2:5-11).

David also stands as a powerful example of humility. Though he was a gifted musician, warrior, commander, king, prophet, and psalmist, he never exalted himself. Instead, he called himself a lowly servant and the son of a mere handmaid of the Lord (Ps. 116:16).

This stands in sharp contrast to many modern leaders who boast of titles, degrees, and spiritual credentials to gain admiration. Unless one is compelled to speak of their gifts, as Paul was out of necessity (2Cor. 11:16-28), it is far better to take the humble path, lifting up Christ rather than self. After all, the Holy Spirit Himself always glorifies Jesus (John 16:13-15).

We are commanded to walk in all lowliness of mind (Eph. 4:2; Acts 20:19; 1Pet. 5:5).

Any form of worship that is chosen by man, apart from true worship of God, is empty (Rom. 1:21-25). Even when such worship appears refined, humble, or ascetic, it lacks the power to conquer sin and the old nature. These forms only feed pride and self-righteousness; they do not change the heart.

Reproof and Instruction – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 15:31-32 The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding. 

The Holy Spirit engages with rational souls, working through the mind, conscience, and moral understanding to enlighten, convict, and persuade. But when a person closes their mind to truth, resists correction, hardens their conscience against righteousness, and suppresses the call toward their highest good, they descend into full rebellion. The result is a hardened heart and the tragic outcome of spiritual ruin.

‘He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding.’ To reject counsel is to despise one’s own soul, but those who receive and apply correction gain wisdom and understanding (15:32).

‘Dispises his own soul.’ Six examples of those who hated their own souls – these individuals rejected truth, correction, or godly counsel, choosing destruction over life: Dathan – Rebelled against Moses and perished in judgment (Num. 16:12-14, 31-33). Zedekiah – Refused to humble himself before the word of the Lord and was taken captive (2Chr. 36:12; Jer. 39:1-7). Nebuchadnezzar – Ignored Daniel’s warning and was humbled by God through madness (Dan. 4:27-33). Belshazzar – Knew the truth but still mocked God, resulting in his sudden fall (Dan. 5:22-30). The Jews in Jesus’ day rejected their Messiah and faced national judgment (Matt. 23:34-38). The Gadarenes valued comfort over Christ’s presence and asked Him to leave (Luke 8:37).

‘Hears reproof gets understanding.’ Four examples of those who gained wisdom and knowledge – these individuals responded to correction, truth, or divine encounter with humility and growth:  Job’s Friends – Humbled themselves and followed God’s instruction through Job (Job 42:7-9). The Samaritan Woman acknowledged her sin and received living water from Christ (John 4:17). Two Disciples on the road to Emmaus – Gained insight as Christ opened the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:26-32). Paul (Saul of Tarsus) – From persecutor to preacher, transformed through divine revelation (Acts 9:6-22).