Tag: Gospel

The Foundations of the Earth

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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).

The Fear of the LORD

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Proverbs 8:12-14 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 

‘Prudence’ is defined here as practical wisdom, or wisdom in action, choosing the best means to an end. Hence, witty (shrewd, practical) inventions.

‘The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.’ To depart from evil through the fear of God is to obtain eternal life (14:27). Four things the fear of God is the hatred of- Evil, the evil way, arrogance and pride.

There are four blessings of the fear of God: Strong confidence (14:26). A place of refuge – security. Eternal life (14:27). Holiness of life and conduct.

Fourteen blessings of the fear of the Lord: Is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). Determines destiny (1:29). Helps to depart from evil (3:7; 16:6). Is to hate evil (8:13). Prolongs days (10:27). Gives strong confidence (14:26). Is a fountain of life (14:27). Produces satisfaction (15:16). Is the instruction of wisdom (15:33). Tends to life (19:23). Gives riches, honour, and life (22:4). Brings freedom from envy (23:17). Brings blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). Involves humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yir’ah] religious reverence. By the mercy and truth of God, atonement for sin is made and iniquity is purged; through fear of Him, men depart from sin (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).

‘Hate evil’ – A man may outwardly depart from evil yet love it in his heart, but to hate it he must have divine wisdom. By nature men love evil (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 7:17; 15:19; John 3:19; Rom. 3:10-18; 8:7-8; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:2-12; 4:17-22).

‘Froward mouth’ – A perverse mouth is referred to in a threefold way: Froward speaking (2:12). Froward mouth (4:24; 6:12). Perverse lips (4:24).

‘Sound wisdom’ [Hebrew: tuwshiyah] stability; essence; substance; reality. From it come all inventions and knowledge of all sciences known to man. Translated as “wisdom” (Job 6:13; 12:16; Pro. 2:7; 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Mic. 6:9); “enterprise” (Job 5:12); “that which is” (Job 11:6); “the thing as it is” (Job 26:3); “substance” (Job 30:22); and “working” (Isa. 28:29).

The Words of My Mouth

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Proverbs 8:8-11 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 

‘Righteousness’ – All my sayings are righteous, declaring what man owes to God, his neighbour, and to himself, so that each can receive his due.

‘Froward or perverse’ – Crooked or crafty, perverse, unrighteous, or difficult.

‘They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge.’ My words are plain to him that understands, and righteous to those who have the knowledge. This is in contrast to the crooked, crafty, and unrighteous ones of Proverbs 8:8. The man of understanding and wisdom does not despise truth.

‘Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.’ Choose instruction over silver, and knowledge over gold. Wisdom is even better than rubies and all other things one can desire (8:11; cp. 3:15).

‘Better than rubies’ – Seventeen “better” things in Proverbs: Wisdom is better than gold (3:14; 8:19). Wisdom is better than silver. Wisdom is better than rubies (3:15; 8:11). A despised man is better than one who honors himself (12:9). A little with the fear of God is better than treasures with trouble (15:16). A dinner of herbs with love is better than a feast where hatred is (15:17). A man slow to anger is better than a hot tempered mighty man (16:32). A man who rules his spirit is better than an intemperate hero (16:32). A morsel of bread with quietness is better than a feast with strife (17:1). An honest poor man is better than a fool with perverse lips (19:1). A poor man is better than a liar (19:22). It is better to dwell alone in a small place than in a large one with a brawling woman (21:9; 25:24). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious woman (21:19). It is better to be exalted than to be abased before men (25:7). An open rebuke is better than secret love (27:5). A near neighbour is better than a far-off brother (27:10). A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6).

Speak Truth

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Proverbs 8:6-7 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 

‘My mouth shall speak truth.’ This is the third great personification of wisdom (8:1-9:18; cp. 1:20-32; 3:13-18). She lifts up her voice in the most public places and warns the young to avoid the ways of seduction and sin (8:1-14). She promises riches, honour, wisdom, knowledge, and success in every field of endeavour to those who love her (8:15-21). She speaks of her eternity with God and advises men to obey her because of her ancient experiences (8:22-9:18).

‘Truth’ – this word is used by Jesus in John 22 times and only 4 times by Him in the other gospels. He is the truth of God that sets free (John 8:32-36; 14:6). He is the teacher and source of truth (Matt. 22:16; Mark 12:14; John 1:14, 17).

Many claim today to speak God’s truth, but they speak lies in hypocrisy (1Tim. 4:2) [Greek: pseudologos] speakers of lies in pretended revelations; putting on an act of self-denial and mortification of the flesh to prove their false doctrines to be truth. All liars and slanderers shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8; 22:15).

Twenty personal acts of wisdom: She cries (8:1-3). She stands (8:2). She calls (8:4). She speaks (8:4 – 9:18). She reproves (8:5). She abhors sin (8:7). She admonishes (8:10). She searches (8:12). She hates (8:13). She counsels (8:14). She advises (8:15). She loves (8:17). She leads (8:20). She blesses (8:21). She rejoices (8:30). She delights (8:31). She builds (9:1). She cooks (9:2). She plans (9:3). She invites (9:5).

‘Wickedness’ [Hebrew: resha‛] lawlessness (Isa. 57:20-21).